POPULARITY
What we treasure reveals what we value—but giving also has the power to redirect our affections. Where our money goes, our heart often follows. Text: Matthew 6:21–23; Proverbs 3:9-10; Deuteronomy 14:22-23 Speaker: Aaron Patton
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) This closing talk distills the sixteen steps of the Ānāpānasati Sutta into what's most portable for daily life — calming the body, calming the mind, opening the heart, and letting go — offered as one continuous gesture rather than four separate teachings. We'll explore simple, concrete tools for carrying retreat-mind into ordinary moments, and extend the practice into patience and sīla as it meets daily relationship and speech. The talk closes with reflections on love, belonging, and letting go: what becomes possible once the hands are finally empty enough to receive what is already here.
Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) This closing talk distills the sixteen steps of the Ānāpānasati Sutta into what's most portable for daily life — calming the body, calming the mind, opening the heart, and letting go — offered as one continuous gesture rather than four separate teachings. We'll explore simple, concrete tools for carrying retreat-mind into ordinary moments, and extend the practice into patience and sīla as it meets daily relationship and speech. The talk closes with reflections on love, belonging, and letting go: what becomes possible once the hands are finally empty enough to receive what is already here.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) This closing talk distills the sixteen steps of the Ānāpānasati Sutta into what's most portable for daily life — calming the body, calming the mind, opening the heart, and letting go — offered as one continuous gesture rather than four separate teachings. We'll explore simple, concrete tools for carrying retreat-mind into ordinary moments, and extend the practice into patience and sīla as it meets daily relationship and speech. The talk closes with reflections on love, belonging, and letting go: what becomes possible once the hands are finally empty enough to receive what is already here.
In today's chapter, what appears to be a boring report about military victories isn't really about battles at all. It's about stewardship.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 8. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.
Scripture Lesson - Acts 20:17-38 Rev. Kevin Long
As followers of Christ where do we find the power to live for the One who gave Himself for us? What is it that enables us to lay down our lives in generosity and sacrifice? Join us this Sunday as we look together at 1 Corinthians 16:1-12, and consider how the resurrection doesn't just prepare us for heaven in the future, but reshapes the way we live our lives in the present. We are excited to have Pastor Erik McEntyre with us this Sunday. Pastor Erik is a good friend of Christ Church's and a pastor at Grace City Northeast, a church that is part of our denomination. We look forward to worshipping with you!Speaker: Pastor Erik McIntyre
As followers of Christ where do we find the power to live for the One who gave Himself for us? What is it that enables us to lay down our lives in generosity and sacrifice? Join us this Sunday as we look together at 1 Corinthians 16:1-12, and consider how the resurrection doesn't just prepare us for heaven in the future, but reshapes the way we live our lives in the present. We are excited to have Pastor Erik McEntyre with us this Sunday. Pastor Erik is a good friend of Christ Church's and a pastor at Grace City Northeast, a church that is part of our denomination. We look forward to worshipping with you!
Jesus calls us to store up treasure in heaven, reminding us that this world is not our home. Generosity helps loosen our grip on temporary things and strengthens our investment in what lasts forever. Text: Matthew 6:19-20; Philippians 3:17-20; Luke 12:13-21 Speaker: Aaron Patton
In this sermon from Deuteronomy 14:22–15:11, we continue our series through Moses' final sermons by examining God's instructions for the festival tithe, the triennial town tithe for the Levites and needy, the seventh-year debt release, and generous care for the poor among God's covenant people. These laws were not burdensome requirements to earn favor but responses to God's prior redemption and grace, teaching Israel to fear the Lord, rejoice in his provision, support gospel ministry, and reflect his compassion with […]
Living With Open Hands Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound… I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” One of the greatest challenges in the Christian life is learning to live with open hands. We naturally want to hold tightly to the things we value—our plans, our possessions, our relationships, our health, and even our expectations. We like the feeling of being in control. Yet the tighter we hold on, the more anxious we often become. The Apostle Paul discovered something that many of us spend a lifetime trying to learn. His peace was not found in what he possessed or in the circumstances surrounding him. It was found in Christ. Whether he had plenty or very little, whether life was comfortable or difficult, Paul had learned the secret of contentment. That secret wasn't found in self-confidence but in complete dependence on the Lord.
We would love to hear from you!For our last week on the topic of generosity, Anna looks at the topic of time in the context of Ephesians 5:15 to 20. How do we make the most of the time God gives us? The letter warns us to use wisdom when trying to decide how to use our time, to act and speak with godliness and integrity. How do we balance obedience and grace together as we go about our daily life?
We would love to hear from you!Continuing in our Open Hands series on generosity, Andy looks at the topic of time in the context of Luke 10:38 to 42 and the scene of Jesus with Mary and Martha. Do we confuse frantic busyness with discipleship? Do we forget to receive from God first before we try and be useful to Him?
We would love to hear from you!Continuing in our series on generosity, Andy examines the topic of Treasure, or money, in the context of 2 Corinthians 8:1-9. When is the right time to give? What portion of our money should we give to God? What have I received from God and when do I know if I have enough of what I need?
A sermon by the Rev. Canon George Maxwell on the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (June 28, 2026) at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta
Generosity Series - Open Hands, Open Hearts Lyndon and Angela Reiff Generosity is not simply about finances, but about living open-handedly with everything God has entrusted to us. Through the Parable of the Talents and the Widow's Offering, we are challenged to see ourselves not as owners, but as stewards, called to faithfully participate in the mission of God. As a church family, we celebrate God's faithfulness, recognise the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, and consider how we might continue building spaces of hospitality, worship, and care for future generations. Whether we have much or little, generosity becomes an act of trust, obedience, and partnership in the kingdom of God.
We would love to hear from you!Continuing in our series on generosity, Andy discusses the hot topic of money, as it relates to Matthew chapter 6 and Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. What are we asking money to do for us that only God can do?
We would love to hear from you!This week, Andy discusses 1 Corinthians 12:4 to 27 and how we can honour God with our Talent.
We would love to hear from you!For the Easter season we begin a new series called Open Hands: A Series on Generosity. For the next several weeks, we will examine our relationship with Time, Talent, and Treasure and discuss how we can use these gifts to honour and worship God. Tonight at our Neighbourhood Table gathering, Andy discusses Talent in the context of 1 Peter chapter 4.
A Sound Bite is a short reflection inspired by a recent Girl, Take the Lead! conversation—an opportunity to explore one idea a little more deeply.In this Sound Bite, host Yo Canny reflects on a question that emerged from her conversation with Andrea Mein DeWitt:What is the difference between trust and faith?Together, they explored generosity, boundaries, trust, and the challenge of holding life with open hands. But after the conversation ended, Yo found herself continuing to think about trust—not as a feeling, but as a practice.In this reflection, she explores:✨ Why hope, trust, and faith are related—but different✨ How fear and control often travel together✨ Why courage is required whenever we release certainty✨ What Andrea's "Open Hands" philosophy can teach us about leadership and life✨ The question many of us face as we navigate relationships, aging, parenting, retirement, and personal growth:What do we do when we can no longer control the outcome?This Sound Bite was inspired by Episode 298:
What happens when giving begins to feel heavy?In this thoughtful return to Girl, Take the Lead!, Professional Certified Coach and author Andrea Mein DeWitt joins Yo Canny to explore a question many caring people wrestle with:How do we remain generous without becoming resentful?Drawing from her essays, The Generous Heart and Open Hands, Andrea shares why generosity without integrity often leads to resentment, how healthy boundaries make love sustainable, and why trust becomes increasingly important as our relationships evolve.Together they discuss:• Why acknowledgment matters—and why we can't always depend on it• The connection between generosity, integrity, and resentment• Moving from reacting to responding• Trusting adult children without trying to fix their lives• How Andrea's Name, Claim & Reframe® methodology helps people navigate difficult momentsThroughout the conversation, Andrea offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating family relationships, leadership challenges, life transitions, or the difficult balance between caring deeply and caring for themselves.One question sits at the center of it all:Who do I want to be in this situation?About Andrea Mein DeWittAndrea Mein DeWitt is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), author, and creator of the federally trademarked Name, Claim & Reframe® methodology. Her book Name, Claim & Reframe: Your Path to a Well-Lived Life was featured on NBC's TODAY Show as 2023's Best Motivational Read. The companion workbook and audiobook followed, with the audiobook released on Audible in December 2025.Andrea publishes the Beyond the Reframe newsletter and a monthly Reframing Wellness column with GetFitNow. She helps high-achieving women navigate challenging relationships and life transitions—teaching them to lead from authenticity rather than armor.Work with Andreaandreadewittadvisors.com• The Generous Heartandreadewittadvisors.com/blog/generous-heart• Open Handsandreadewittadvisors.com/blog/open-hands• Beyond the Reframe Blogandreadewittadvisors.com/blog• Leadership Quizandreadewittadvisors.com/leadership-quiz• NCR Toolkitandreadewittadvisors.com/ncr-toolkitBook:Name, Claim & Reframe®: Your Path to a Well-Lived LifeBeyond the Reframe Newsletter:https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/beyond-the-reframe-7275538370468966400/Previous Conversations with Andrea Mein DeWitt• Ep. 48 – A Discussion with Andrea Mein DeWitt About Her Book, Name, Claim & Reframe: Your Path to a Well-Lived Life• Ep. 72 – Andrea Mein DeWitt Returns: Using Name, Claim & Reframe® to Address Female Bullying• Ep. 153 & 154 – Be Confident. Be Resourceful. Be Graceful. Insights from the Name, Claim & Reframe Workbook• Ep. 266 – Reframing the “Good Daughter” Story with Andrea Mein DeWittBrowse all Andrea Mein DeWitt episodes here or wherever you listen to your podcasts:Connect with Girl, Take the Lead!Website:girltaketheleadpod.comListen:Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, and wherever you enjoy podcasts.Join the Conversation:Follow Girl, Take the Lead! on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for leadership insights, guest highlights, and weekly reflections.Explore the Shop:Visit the Heartfelt Cards & Gifts collection at girltaketheleadpod.com/shopSubscribe:Never miss an episode by subscribing to Girl, Take the Lead! and sharing your favorite conversations with friends and colleagues.Reflection QuestionWhat relationship in your life might benefit from a little more generosity, integrity, or trust?What would Andrea tell her 20-something self?"Stop looking for permission.You are so much smarter than you think. You are way more resourceful than you give yourself credit for. Take the risk because it's worth it. The worst thing that can happen is that you learn something.Start claiming who you are now and trust that your people, if you live in integrity with yourself, are going to find you."
The Beatles had it right — can't buy me love. But what about everything else we keep trying to purchase? Security. Control. Peace of mind. Week 4 of The Sacred Ordinary asks what happens when we stop gripping so tightly and start living with open hands. Featuring Brother Lawrence — a man who owned virtually nothing and lacked nothing — and the most liberating thing 2 Corinthians 9 has to say about generosity. This one is not about giving more. It is about living freely.Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6–8.
In this message from Matthew 15:29–16:4, Pastor Karl examines two very different groups of people who come to Jesus — and what their approach reveals about how we receive grace.The first group comes from the Decapolis, a Gentile region with no religious standing or covenant claim. They bring broken bodies, unspoken needs, and nothing to offer — and Jesus meets them with compassion, healing, and even provision they didn't know to ask for. The second group, the Pharisees and Sadducees, arrives with suspicion and a demand for proof — and Jesus refuses to perform for them.The contrast surfaces a powerful truth: Jesus has endless compassion for those who come to him needy, but no obligation to satisfy those who come feeling entitled. Unworthiness isn't a disqualification for grace — it's the prerequisite for it.Pastor Karl unpacks why the disciples hesitated to feed the 4,000 (it wasn't that they forgot what Jesus could do — it was that they questioned who he'd do it for), what it really means to "fall from grace," and why the cross is the only reliable lens through which to interpret God's love. When we bring our "not enough" to Jesus, we find that inadequacy is exactly the raw material he's looking for.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm
Money does not just matter for personal discipleship, it also matters for our common mission as the church. Disobedient or poorly taught disciples in this area produce a church that is starved in its ability to do it's spiritual mission by a lack of physical resources. But faithful and obedient discipleship fuels the mission of the church, enhances its impact and in the process shines a light to the world that is not just radically counter cultural but compellingly beautiful as it showcases the generous heart of God himself.This week Andrew continues our Open Hands series, preaching from Luke 16:1-9Faithful giving is a tangible expression of trust in God and participation in His work. It has a heavenly dividendSermon by Andrew Grills
05.24.26 - Pastor Jono Shaffer
As we conclude our Building for the Next Generation series, we'll look at how God moves through willing hearts and joyful generosity. Through the examples of David in 1 Chronicles 29 and the early church in Acts 4, we'll discover what it means to invest in future generations and build something that will outlast us.
Welcome!Bruce Downes Catholic Ministries is for people who are seeking to know more about God and Church and where believers from around the world can strengthen their walk with Christ.Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Connect With Bruce At:► Website: https://BruceDownes.org ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCatholicGuyBruceDownes ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicguy ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecatholicguy ► Online Store: https://brucedownes.org/store Consider Becoming a Faith Builders Partner:Everyone who donates to Bruce Downes Catholic Ministries is what we call a Faith Builder Partner. The team are working to build the faith of every person we connect with whether they are powerful or weak, rich or poor, young or old, in whatever city, town, village and country they are in. ►https://brucedownes.org/giving/#brucedownes #catholicministries #praytherosarv #devotional #dailydevotional
Pastor Yelisey Shibkiy “Open Hands Lifestyle” (05/17/26)Support the show
Join Izzy, Zoe, and Zach as they conclude their powerful parable series with the Parable of the Wicked Tenants in Luke 20, unpacking what it means to steward what God has entrusted to you, why the gospel message is both offensive and gracious, and how Jesus directly confronted the religious leaders who rejected God's messengers and ultimately His own Son. This episode dives deep into Jesus' challenging story about a vineyard owner who planted a vineyard, leased it to tenants, and sent servants to collect the harvest, only to watch them be beaten, shamed, wounded, and cast out. Discover what happens when the owner finally sends his beloved son, how the tenants respond by killing him to claim the inheritance for themselves, and what Jesus reveals about the danger of pride, duplicity, and hardened hearts in leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 00:59 Context: Jesus Cleanses the Temple 02:12 Reading Luke 20:9-19: The Parable of the Tenants 04:19 Breaking Down the Symbols: Vineyard, Tenants, and Servants 09:01 The Beloved Son: Jesus in the Story 11:11 The Gospel is Offensive: Exposure and Violence 18:28 God's Grace in Sending His Son 23:59 The Danger of Pride and Entitlement 27:42 The Owner's Judgment and the Cornerstone 34:10 The Pharisees' Response: Immediate Rejection 38:00 Application: Living with Open Hands and Soft Hearts FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]
What if generosity is actually the pathway to joy? This week we'll discover how God designed us to experience life not in holding tightly, but in releasing freely.
OPEN HANDS | PASTOR KEVIN BRADFORD by GBFPC
What does it look like to live with open hands and an open heart - especially during times of uncertainty? This month we are bringing you a special conversation about hope, uncertainty, and faith, from Dr. Chaley Knight. Chaley has been a longtime member of the Waynesburg University campus as both a student and a counselor, which is how I met her. For my husband and I's first three years of marriage, we lived in the little town just north of the PA/WV border called Waynesburg, and it brought so many great people into our circle. At the time, Juan was a youth pastor and we served the students of our church every Sunday at youth group. Chaley's three kiddos were regulars there and we came to know and love them - they are so grown up now, and since we've moved away, we kept in touch via Facebook - the upside of social media! Chaley completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology from WU in 2004, earned her Master's degree in counseling psychology in 2007. While a graduate student, she served as a resident director and resided in the residence hall with students. Before officially joining the Waynesburg University counseling staff, she worked within the community as a mental health therapist and addictions counselor. Chaley recently shared her testimony at Waynesburg University's chapel the other week and I came across it on my feed when she shared it to encourage others through the joy and the heartaches of her story. The way that she spoke triggered a realization inside of me - how often we hold back our stories because we are too afraid to speak with a trembling voice. Chaley shared her story with trembling, holding back tears, but did so while pointing to the God who wrote her story and writes all of ours. He is good. He is with us. In all of the uncertainty. It should be noted that Chaley's original presentation of this message was given at Waynesburg University's Chapel as part of their Testimony Tuesday series. She graciously re-recorded her testimony for us to be blessed with on the You Were Made for More Podcast.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookInstagram
Sunday, April 12, 2026Chris BennettRomans 14:1—15:7
In “Open Hearts Open Hands,” from 2 Corinthians 9 we see that true generosity flows from a joyful and willing heart, not from pressure or obligation, and that our giving should be rooted in trust that God will provide for all our needs. We see that generous living not only meets practical needs but also results in praise and gratitude to God, impacting both our lives and the lives of others for eternity. We also learn why many Christians have a hard time being generous.
PAVING THE WAY HOME: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pavingthewayhome85 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/paving-the-way-home-podcast/id1517252693 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sywWGWjqXFSErvxOcNeEt?si=jjRM2DjsQvGUJppEQqFS_g HOLY FAMILY MISSION: If you wish to support the work that Holy Family Mission does, you will find details on how to do so here - https://www.holyfamilymission.ie/supportus Visit https://www.holyfamilymission.ie/ to learn more about Holy Family Mission.
Speaker: Pastor NickSynopsis: Happy Easter! HE IS RISEN! This morning we gather together to celebrate an empty tomb and a risen savior. Over the last number of weeks we've discussed opening our hands and letting go of things we've held onto and today that all culminates in the resurrection. Pastor Nick wraps up our "Give" series by discussing the hope and power the resurrection has to bring us new life and a new way to live. Join us to learn more!Intro Music: Inspire And Motivate by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comOutro Music: Inspiring Beat by Alex Menco | https://alexmenco.net Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US
Join Pastor Derek Neider in this inspiring episode of The Daily Devotional as he walks us through the Songs of Ascent in the book of Psalm. Through thoughtful reflections, Derek encourages us to embrace our calling to serve Christ wholeheartedly and live out our faith with purpose and surrender.Tune in for insightful teachings, practical application, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live as servants of the gospel. This is just the beginning—there's so much more to come as we journey through Romans together!Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected!New to faith? Click here!Learn more about Pastor Derek NeiderFollow Derek on Instagramor FacebookSubscribe to email Subscribe to the daily devotionalExplore recent messages!This podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas.Visit our website. We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113. Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.
Featuring: Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, Matt Scott "Tell me your story…and I'll companion you in your lack of trust." - Steve Macchia What might change if you encountered the parables of Jesus as an invitation into a life of deeper trust? Episode 39.6 reflects on a powerful gathering of parables centered on the theme of trust—trusting in God's provision, His love, His rescue, and His heart toward us. From the cost of discipleship to the tenderness of the Good Shepherd, this conversation confronts our tendency to hold tightly to, control outcomes, and resist surrender. What emerges is a compelling invitation: to let go, to trust more deeply, and to rest in the faithful, initiating presence of a God who is always pursuing, always loving, and always at work. To join the 40 day Lenten Prayer Experience, sign up today at www.leadershiptransformations.org/lent2026. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Brandon Fuller spent nearly a decade leading worship at Sun Valley Community Church. Then God called him somewhere different, a private garage gym in Gilbert, AZ where he coaches busy parents and professionals and quietly does some of the best ministry you've never heard of.This conversation goes deep on what it actually looks like to live out your faith outside the four walls of a church. Brandon is honest, grounded, and the real deal.In this episode:From worship pastor to fitness entrepreneurLeading from a full cup versus an empty oneModeling faith at home without forcing itGoing deeper into scripture soonerHow God speaks through peopleThe open handed posture that unlocks everythingIdentity in Christ vs identity in performanceFind Brandon: Instagram: @crownperformancetraining Website: crownperformancetraining.coBuilt By Faith: Instagram & YouTube: @stevevencl
Jack closes the Open Hands series with a mindset that we look into the future. What is the next step you need to take to participate in God's generosity story?
As we continue in our generosity series, we see how we get to participate and join in on God's generosity story. We see that we are actually a major part of sharing God's generosity to the people around us.
Welcome! We are so glad you're here. Below are some links and resources to help you experience our service more fully. Notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kLMF... Connection Card: https://highlandag.churchcenter.com/p... Webpage: https://highlandag.org Giving: https://highlandag.org/give
Jesus speaks often about fruit, but He starts with the soil. In this first week of Seeds & Sowers, Jason dives into Luke 12, uncovering how fear and trust shape the ground of our hearts. This message invites us to care for the soil that determines what takes root and grows.
Talk is cheap. If we truly believe that people need the Gospel of Jesus Christ, why are we not sharing it? If that question feels blunt... good. We are the light of the world... let's make sure we are walking worthy of that calling. Pastor Carl Jones returns in part one of our new series; "Open Hands, Full of Expectation".