Podcasts about our churches

By a Mocking of God and His Institutions, Threats to Our Churches, Country, and Jesus Followers Are Exacerbated MESSAGE SUMMARY: Our way of life is slipping quickly away from us, but our way of life is not just about elections and politics. This risk arises from direct threats to both our Christian faith-based institutions and our country's related founding principles. The news, 24/7, confirms that this risk is to our churches, to our country, and to our way of life. This threat is coming from a constant state of conflict among institutions, cultures, and individuals. The Bible provides examples of similar institutionalized conflicts throughout the ages. However, today's conflicts, in and among organized religion, are over the basic principles of Biblical teachings and Jesus' Gospel; and these conflicts make one wonder where the path for a way out of this descension and conflict will emerge.  From Clergy, Politicians, and the men and women in the street, God is mocked daily along with His institutions. Paul tells us, in Galatians 6:7, that: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Some ask, in a mocking fashion, “Where is Jesus; He is supposed to be the Peacemaker?”. Jesus answers this question in Matthew 10:34-35, 38-39: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law . . . And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."    The risks from this conflict, arising from the mocking of God and the large numbers of institutions walking away from the Christian principles upon which America was founded, will only be addressed by a change in our hearts. The hearts of the people will not change until we have a true “spiritual awakening”. As Jesus tells us in John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”. Additionally, Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 35:4: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”. A spiritual awakening is needed not only to save souls from eternal damnation but to save our way of life. This “Spiritual Awakening” begins by proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; John 16:33; John 14:27; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:46; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; John 1:12; Psalms 52:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “After Jesus' Resurrection, He Appeared Many Times to Many People and the Apostles; Today, We Have His Gift of the Holy Spirit”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Do some people deserve the suffering they are enduring? Or Should there always be room for compassion when criminal behavior regardless of why a person did what they did, ends in tragedy? If your community is struggling to find its way in a crisis you'll want to hear how Dr. William Cooke has done it in tiny Austin, Indiana.    This is Season 5, Episode 11. We're going to take a two part deep dive into Dr. William Cooke's incredible book, “Canary in the Coal Mine: a Forgotten Rural Community, a Hidden Epidemic, and a Lone Doctor Battling for the Life, Health, and Soul of the People”. We'll also talk about ideas for how anyone can be what I call a different kind of P.I. - not a private investigator like me but a person of impact in your community.    The U.S. Census Bureau says that roughly 20% of the U.S. population lives in a rural area, even though urban areas make up only 3 percent of the U.S. land area. That often means that our rural citizens may not always have direct access to things most of us take for granted. In Austin Indiana from the mid 1970's until 2004, the down had no doctor of it's own. When Dr, William Cook set up his practice he had no idea the journey he was about to take.   Not very many doctors start solo practices in impoverished areas, but Dr. Cook felt that was his calling. Some of his patients had never seen a doctor before. That's not something we expect to hear in America, is it?   Every church has physical, emotional, and spiritual safety issues. Most just don't know it. Are you going to wait for a trainwreck to occur before you address them? Helping churches be proactive about safety is why I wrote “Reclaiming Sanctuary: Enhancing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety in Our Churches”. I know how hard it can be to address unpleasant issues because I've been where you are - in a leadership position needing an intentional approach customized to the needs of my unique church.    I'm offering a free 20 minute strategy call for church leaders to see if my work might be a good fit for you. Email me today at lori@theunlovelytruth.com and we'll start a conversation about your church's needs and how we can work together to create a customized plan for your church. Schedule your no risk, all reward call today!   Luke 5:31-32   Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”   The teachers of the law, the religious folk of the time, tried to trap Jesus so many times. After He called Levi to follow Him, these leaders asked why Jesus and His followers would eat and drink with people they called “sinners”.  How easy it can be to fall into that trap.    Does it remind you of the people who criticized Dr. Cooke for his work, and even threatened him? Does it remind you of anything else? Maybe something you've seen in your church? I know I've seen it in churches I've attended. I've probably even been guilty of it myself.   God can't use us when we are showing that kind of pride. Casting Crowns has a great song called “Jesus, Friend of Sinners” . One line that really makes you think is “Nobody knows what we're for, only what we're against, when we judge the wounded”. I know that using drugs isn't a good choice. Selling your body isn't a great choice. But we don't always know what has driven a person to make those choices.   Jesus would've hung out with drug addicts, and the homeless, and the sex workers. So why aren't we? And if you do, I'm really glad to hear it. If you don't, maybe it's because you just don't know how. If your church doesn't have a ministry to feed the homeless, maybe you can work with another church's ministry or a local non-profit. I don't recommend going into a homeless camp by yourself though. Criminals will target the homeless because they are so vulnerable. If that type of ministry isn't for you, consider leading a Bible study in your local jail. I've done that before and the vast majority of the women I met had drug addiction issues. Many turned to sex work to feed their habits, or after being pressured by their so called boyfriend. They need to hear that there is hope and that God still loves them. You'd be surprised how many were raised in church and have no idea that they have any worth or value.   This book that we made it halfway through today just breaks my heart.  I was raised in Indiana so a lot of the places and names are very familiar to me. But really this book could've been set just about anywhere. Every communities struggles with these issues whether we want to admit it or not.    Let me know what you thought of this episode! Send me an email a lori@theunlovelytruth.com or message me on social media. I love it when people are willing to have those hard, but impactful conversations!   Visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.  Episode about pill mills   Link to buy Canary in the Coal Mine   Share the episode    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn   Check out my Amazon Author Page to find resources on personal safety, and safety training for churches. 

It's not at all unusual to know the name of a murder victim, but not the name of the killer. But today we're going to look at a case where the killer has most likely been identified while at least one of his victim's names was unknown for decades. Today I'm going to feature one of those cases, and this one has a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction backstory.   Welcome to another episode of The Unlovely Truth. I'm your host, private investigator Lori Morrison. Join me for another captivating true crime story, where physical, spiritual, and emotional safety takeaways are waiting for us.    This is Season 5, Episode 10. With thousands of unidentified murder victims just in the United States, giving a name to one can be like finding a needle in a haystack. A woman know for decades as 1985 Desoto County Jane Doe had a family and friends who needed to know what had become of her.  This case highlights how anyone can be what I call a different kind of P.I. - not a private investigator like me but a person of impact in your community.    Every church has physical, emotional, and spiritual safety issues. Most just don't know it. Are you going to wait for a trainwreck to occur before you address them? Helping churches be proactive about safety is why I wrote“Reclaiming Sanctuary: Enhancing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety in Our Churches”. I know how hard it can be to address unpleasant issues because I've been where you are - in a leadership position needing an intentional approach customized to the needs of my unique church.    I'm offering a free 20 minute strategy call for church leaders to see if my work might be a good fit for you. Email me today at lori@theunlovelytruth.com and we'll start a conversation about your church's needs and how we can work together to create a customized plan for your church. Schedule your no risk, all reward call today!   1 Corinthians 3:5-8   After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God's servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.   It took a lot of people doing what God gifted and equipped them to do in order for a set of human remains to be identified as Lorie Ann Mealer Pennell, a woman who was more than just a victim. She had a family and friends who loved her. She had dreams and hopes for her future - just like you and I do. It took a number of people who each played a unique role to restore her identity and give her family some answers they'd been waiting for for so long   How this all came together is a lot like the Apostle Paul's ministry. He did amazing things, but he didn't do them alone.    Appollos wasn't the only person giving Paul a hand. He had quite a few traveling companions like Barnabas, Silas, John Mark, and others. He also had the support of the disciples, once they realized that God had transformed Paul from a zealous killer of Christians to an apostle of Jesus. And let's not forget the ladies! Lydia helped support Paul's work as did Priscilla and her husband Aquilla. Paul specifically mentioned Phoebe as a benefactor to him and many others. It took so many people working together for Paul to be able to accomplish all that he did.   God has wired us to work together. Moses had his siblings, Aaron and Miriam, and later his father in law Jethro. Jesus had a whole twelve man team. We just saw how Paul's team was almost too numerous to count! It should make all of us wonder - whose team am I on? What mission can I help reach more people or have a greater impact?    That's how we're going to make ourselves, our families, and our communities safer. We need to make those connections to help each other get a little further down the road. So my challenge to all of us this week is to think about something from this episode that really resonated. Maybe it was the role forensics plays in helping reclaim identities for unknown murder victims. OR maybe you really felt that check in your gut when I mentioned high school students doing incredible real world work in their classrooms. How many of you have already decided to check out that podcast, Murder 101? I did and it's fantastic! Or maybe you know someone with a missing family member or dear friend who just needs you to listen to them and now you've decided to reach out. Whatever it is, don't wait. I believe God put that on your heart, and when you join that team He's calling you to, you will see amazing things happen.   Let me know what you thought of this episode! Send me an email a lori@theunlovelytruth.com or message me on social media. I love it when people are willing to have those hard, but impactful conversations!   Visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.    Learn more about the cases Othram had helped solve   News story about Carla Davis   Learn more about the unidentified missing epidemic   Listen to Murder 101   Share this episode    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn   Check out my Amazon Author Page to find resources on personal safety, and safety training for churches.   

Mark Abbott figured he'd better take the back roads to get home in the early morning hours of November 8th, 1992. He would later claim that he was drunk and didn't want to get another DUI or get cited for driving without a license. When he pulled off of Interstate 55 near Benton, Missouri, he saw a car idling at the top of an exit ramp. He looked in, and realized he'd found a body.    Welcome to another episode of The Unlovely Truth. I'm your host, private investigator Lori Morrison. Join me for another captivating true crime story, where physical, spiritual, and emotional safety takeaways are waiting for us. If you are listening, I believe you have a unique calling—to become a different kind of PI, not a typical private investigator, but a person of impact!   Our book this week is “The Murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless: An Honest Sheriff and the Exoneration of an Innocent Man” by  Stephen R. Snodgrass with Joshua C. Kezer and our guest is Joshua Kezer. We will check in with Josh after we investigate this fascinating book. The body Mark Abbott found was 19 year old nursing student Angela Mischelle Lawless.  With all the wisdom of a drunk man, he decided someone else would come by soon, and if the police came looking for him, he'd tell them he was Matt Abbott, his twin brother. If true crime shows had been popular back then, maybe he'd have known that twins don't have identical fingerprints.   Someone else did drive and notice the car, but didn't stop in case whoever was inside might be looking for trouble. The couple went to the sheriff's department to tell them the scene needed to be checked out. Deputies found Angela, who went by her middle name of Mischelle lying across the center console with her head on the passenger seat. Mischelle didn't appear to be breathing.    Witnesses said that Josh had confessed to them. Despite having alibi witnesses that placed him over 300 miles away at the time of the murder, Josh was convicted and sent to prison. Prison is a rough and dangerous place and Josh had to learn how to survive there. As time passed, he got involved with the prison ministry attending Sunday services and joining Bible Study groups.  Josh says in the book that faith became the focus and center of his life, giving him hope for the future, and helping him handle the nightmare that was his present.   It was there that he met Jane Williams. Jane was at the prison giving a presentation on devotionals she had written. After meeting they forged a friendship through correspondence. Eventually, Josh trusted Jane enough to tell her his story.    Scott County reserve deputy Rick Walter had always believed that the case against Josh was weak. Though neither he nor Jane Williams knew what the other was doing, their combined efforts would change Josh's life forever. It wasn't easy, and he still lives with the trauma he endured spending so many years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. One of the most important things that he learned was the importance of forgiveness.   Psalm 109:1-3   Be not silent, O God of my praise! For wicked and deceitful mouths  are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues.  They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause.   This is a Psalm of David, written when he was at a really low point in his life. Enemies were pursuing him with lies. Josh Kezer knows what that feels like. If you read the rest of this Psalm, you'll see that even in his distress, David left vengeance to God. That's not an easy thing to do at all. It certainly helped David that he cried out to God. It helped Josh that he turned to his faith too. What attacks are you facing where it's really tempting to try to get payback? I hope that Psalm 109 inspires you to let God deal with it.    Let me know what you think! Send me an email a lori@theunlovelytruth.com or message me on social media. I love it when people are willing to have those hard, but impactful conversations!   Visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.  Get a copy of The Murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless: An Honest Sheriff and the Exoneration of an Innocent Man   Connect with Josh on Facebook or Instagram   Contact the Scott County Prosecutor at 573-545-3562   Share the episode    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn   Check out my newest book, Reclaiming Sanctuary: Enhancing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety in Our Churches

Is your church a safe place? That sounds like such a rude question, doesn't it? But I only ask because I love the church so much! Study after study shows church attendance declining, but I want to see our churches regain the central role they once held in our communities, where people saw them as safe and trustworthy havens for everyone.   Welcome to another episode of The Unlovely Truth. I'm your host, private investigator Lori Morrison. Join me for another captivating true crime story, where physical, spiritual, and emotional safety takeaways are waiting for us. If you are listening, I believe you have a unique calling—to become a different kind of PI, not a typical private investigator, but a person of impact!   This is Season 4, Episode 44. We are going to flip the script today. Self publishing expert, founder of Beatitudes Publishing LLC and Andre Lende is going to ask me some questions about my newly released book, “Reclaiming Sanctuary:  Enhancing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety in Our Churches”.   Feeling unsure about taking the first step? That's perfectly okay. This training is crafted to be effective at any stage of your journey. Immediate positive changes are within your grasp, and, most importantly, you'll have the flexibility to customize solutions to your church's unique needs. I'll be your guide throughout, supporting you in this crucial endeavor. Together, we can reclaim sanctuary not just within our buildings but also in our communities. 1 Samuel 17:32-37 TLB   “Don't worry about a thing,” David told him. “I'll take care of this Philistine!”  “Don't be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “How can a kid like you fight with a man like him? You are only a boy, and he has been in the army since he was a boy!”   But David persisted. “When I am taking care of my father's sheep,” he said, “and a lion or a bear comes and grabs a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth. If it turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this heathen Philistine too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who saved me from the claws and teeth of the lion and the bear  will save me from this Philistine!”   Saul finally consented, “All right, go ahead,” he said, “and may the Lord be with you!”   A true sanctuary isn't just a building. It's the community that inhabits the building. There were threats to the flocks that David tended, and there are threats to our flocks today. David says that when a predator comes after a lamb from his flock, he goes after it! He sees what needs to be done and he does it.    Part of making our churches true sanctuaries is to recognize that each one of us needs to have David's attitude. He doesn't look at how intimidating Goliath is, any more than he worried about bears or lions. Each in its own way was a threat and David was willing to be responsible to take care of threats.    I hope that each one of us will take a look around at our churches and see where there may be physical, emotional, or spiritual threats. If you need a bit of help doing that, I hope you'll grab my book. There's a link in the show notes for where to grab your copy. And stay tuned to be one of the first to find out when the video training that dives even deeper becomes available.   Let me know what you think! Send me an email a lori@theunlovelytruth.com or message me on social media. I love it when people are willing to have those hard, but impactful conversations!   Visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.  Link to buy Reclaiming Sanctuary: Enhancing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety in Our Churches   Connect with Andrea Lende   Show your support!   Share the episode    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn   Let me know how The Unlovely Truth has made a difference in your life. 

By a Mocking of God and His Institutions, Threats to Our Churches, Country, and Jesus Followers Are Exacerbated MESSAGE SUMMARY: Our way of life is slipping quickly away from us, but our way of life is not just about elections and politics. This risk arises from direct threats to both our Christian faith-based institutions and our country's related founding principles. The news, 24/7, confirms that this risk is to our churches, to our country, and to our way of life. This threat is coming from a constant state of conflict among institutions, cultures, and individuals. The Bible provides examples of similar institutionalized conflicts throughout the ages. However, today's conflicts, in and among organized religion, are over the basic principles of Biblical teachings and Jesus' Gospel; and these conflicts make one wonder where the path for a way out of this descension and conflict will emerge.  From Clergy, Politicians, and the men and women in the street, God is mocked daily along with His institutions. Paul tells us, in Galatians 6:7, that: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Some ask, in a mocking fashion, “Where is Jesus; He is supposed to be the Peacemaker?”. Jesus answers this question in Matthew 10:34-35, 38-39: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law . . . And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."    The risks from this conflict, arising from the mocking of God and the large numbers of institutions walking away from the Christian principles upon which America was founded, will only be addressed by a change in our hearts. The hearts of the people will not change until we have a true “spiritual awakening”. As Jesus tells us in John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”. Additionally, Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 35:4: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”. A spiritual awakening is needed not only to save souls from eternal damnation but to save our way of life. This “Spiritual Awakening” begins by proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Compulsions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Patience. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; John 16:33; John 14:27; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:46; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; John 1:12; Psalms 52:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Turkeys and Eagles, Part 5: Following Jesus Changes Everything in Our Families”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

More than 600,000 people go missing in the U.S. every single year according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Even if 90% of them are found alive or their remains are recovered, that would leave around 6,000 who become a part of the long-term missing. So that number grows every single year.   Welcome to another episode of The Unlovely Truth. I'm your host, private investigator Lori Morrison. Join me for more true crime stories, where physical, spiritual, and emotional safety takeaways are waiting for us. If you are listening, I believe you have a unique calling—to become a different kind of PI, not a typical private investigator, but a person of impact!   This is Season 4, Episode 42. This week we're going to talk about the growing problem of long-term missing people in the United States, highlight some cases, and I'll give you ways that you can protect yourself and your loved ones.  Every missing person case is a tragedy and collectively the issue has been called the nation's silent mass disaster. When we think of missing persons, the initial image that comes to mind might be a recent disappearance—a frantic search, news coverage, and community efforts to find the individual. But what about those cases where the passage of time hasn't brought closure? Where loved ones continue to grapple with uncertainty, not knowing the fate or whereabouts of their family or friends for months, years, or even decades? As time passes, the public and media attention tends to diminish, reducing the resources and support available for continued search efforts. Families often experience prolonged emotional distress, with the uncertainty of not knowing whether their loved ones are alive or what might have happened to them. We can't forget that these long-term cases affect the families and communities involved. The impact on families is profound. The ongoing emotional distress and ambiguity can disrupt their lives in so many ways—financially, emotionally, and psychologically. Many families are left in a perpetual state of limbo, unable to move forward, and yet not having closure. You have to re-evaluate so many life events. Do you have a vacation or wedding planned - do you postpone them?   The toll on mental health, relationships, and everyday functioning is immeasurable.  These cases also affect communities, as unresolved cases erode trust in the justice and law enforcement systems, leaving communities feeling vulnerable and often overlooked. Let's take a look at four long-term missing persons cases and see if we can help find some answers for the families of Jason Washington from Columbia, Missouri, Warren County Jane Doe from Bowling Green, Kentucky, Lulaida Morales Sejalbo from Santa Clara, California, and Michelle Parker from Orlando, Florida.    The Bible passage I chose for this episode is one I'm sure many of you are familiar with.  Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)   Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   To put Paul's words into context, we have to remember that when he wrote this, he was living under house arrest. He understood what it was like to face an uncertain future. Hope seemed like a very far off thing.   It's hard to imagine not being anxious about anything when our worlds have been turned upside down. But Paul isn't asking us to do something superhuman - he's simply encouraging us to replace the anxiety and fear we naturally feel in horrible situations with prayer. That's how we can have a peace from God that we can't even understand, and we don't have to. As the old hymn says, we just trust and obey. That's how we can have a peace that will allow us to hold onto hope.    The families of the missing persons we talked about today need that so very desperately. I don't know the families, but because of their situations I know they desperately need our prayers, and our help if we are in a position to give some. We certainly can all share this episode and someone who has answers to help solve these cases might come forward.  Visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.  Bring Jason Washington Home Facebook page   You can submit an anonymous tip here   Learn more about Warren County Jane Doe   Check out the great work being done at NamUs   Find out how you can help with long term missing kids cases   If you have any information about the disappearance of Lulaida Morales Sejalbo, please call the Santa Clara Police Department at 408-615-4700   Check out her information at missingkids.org   Anyone with information about the disappearance of Michelle Parker is urged to come forward and contact Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).   Learn more at the Michelle Parker Missing Person Facebook page   Show your support!   Share the episode    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn   Let me know how The Unlovely Truth has made a difference in your life.    Learn more about safety on trust by reading my books How to Kick Fear to the Curb and In God We Trust: Everyone Else Gets a Background Check. And be on the lookout for my training guide, “Reclaiming Sanctuary: Enhancing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety in Our Churches” being released this month!

Stalking is a tactic that abusers often use to control their victims. Being stalked can be terrifying, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Let's hear about some actual cases so we can learn our own tactics - tactics to keep ourselves safe from these creeps.    Welcome to another episode of The Unlovely Truth. I'm your host, private investigator Lori Morrison. Join me for another captivating true crime story, where physical, spiritual, and emotional safety takeaways are waiting for us. If you are listening, I believe you have a unique calling—to become a different kind of PI, not a typical private investigator, but a person of impact!   This is Season 4, Episode 41. Our book this week is “Think Like a Stalker and Stop Them” by my friend and fellow private investigator Michael Kenny. He wrote this book to share what he's learned from years of working with celebrity and non-celebrity stalking victims. He's going to give us the tools and direction to help ourselves or someone else end the nightmare.   Like the song says, breaking up is hard to do. Have you ever had a soon-to-be-ex that just can't accept that you want nothing more to do with them? That happened to a woman I'll call Everly. She had just moved to a new town and was lonely. She decided to use a dating app to find some dates. Soon she met a man who seemed to be every girl's dream. He was polite, generous, treated her like a queen, and even had a great car. When Everly made the relationship Instagram official, an ex-boyfriend who had been the love of her life reached out. Are you thinking he's the stalker? Nope! They reconnected, and it was Mr. Car who lost it.   Lamentations 3:52-57   Those who were my enemies for no reason at all hunted me down as if I were a bird. They tried to end my life by throwing me into a deep pit. They threw stones down at me. The water rose and covered my head. I thought I was going to die. Lord, I called out to you. I called out from the bottom of the pit. I prayed, “Please don't close your ears to my cry for help.” And you heard my appeal. You came near when I called out to you. You said, “Do not be afraid.”   The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah is thought to be the author of Lamentations, and he was writing about the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon and sharing his deep despair over the evil in the world that comes when people reject God. Lamenting in the biblical sense is more than just expressing sorrow. It's also a way to process sorrow and confusion. But this chapter of Lamentation is also full of hope!    Even when we are being pursued and hunted down, when we call out to God, He will remind us that we don't need to be afraid. And that's something I hope this episode has also done. If you are being stalked, please know that there is hope. There are people like Mike Kenney who are providing resources to give you comfort and practical assistance.    I've put links in the show notes to Mike's book, how you can contact Mike, and other resources for victims of stalking. I hope that not only will you check them out, you'll share them. It's a tough topic, but one we need to talk more about. Hard conversations lead to healthy outcomes.  Let me know what you think! Send me an email a lori@theunlovelytruth.com or message me on social media. I love it when people are willing to have those hard, but impactful conversations!   Visit my website to access more episodes, read my blog posts, or check out ways you can financially support the podcast so that together we can impact more people, more families, and more communities. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting and investigative services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.    Get Mike's  book (and support The Unlovely Truth by using this affiliate link)   Connect with Mike on X   Share the episode    Other episodes on Domestic Violence and Stalking: Domestic Violence Statistics Don't Lie: Meet the Man Trying to Change Them, Domestic Violence: There is Help Available, Whisper of Fear: The True Story of the Prosecutor Who Stalks the Stalkers   Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn   Let me know how The Unlovely Truth has made a difference in your life!     Need Help? Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) to reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline Victimsofcrime.org has a Stalking Resource Center. You can call them at  855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) Want to be safer? Grab a copy of my books, How To Kick Fear to the Curb and In God We Trust, Everyone Else Gets a Background Check And be on the lookout next month for my guide to safer churches, "Reclaiming Sanctuary: Enhancing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety in Our Churches". 

 Last Episode in our Understanding Autism Series. Thanks for the brilliant response- we're so glad it's been a helpful topic.In this episode we hear from Dr Léon van Ommen of Aberdeen University Dept of Divinity & Religious Studies who is involved in a unique Centre for Autism and Theology.We also hear from Charlotte who gives a wonderfully helpful insight as an Autistic Mum to 2 kids.Ed and Amy are there to ask the big questions.People:Ed Drew - is the Director of Faith in Kids.Amy Smith - is a writer for Faith in Kids.Dr. Léon van Ommen - lecturer in Practical Theology at Aberdeen University. Leon is also involved in a unique Centre for Autism and Theology on campus. Married with two children, he also loves coffee, fruit trees and donkeys.- Resources -Popular level:Arnold, Mark. 2022. How to Include Autistic Children and Young People in Church: Creating a Place of Belonging and Spiritual Development for All.Memmott, Ann. 2021. “Welcoming and Including Autistic People in Our Churches and Communities.”Theological but quite accessible for non-academics:Macaskill, Grant. 2019. Autism and the Church: Bible, Theology, and Community.Van Ommen, Armand Léon. 2022. “Re-Imagining Church through Autism: A Singaporean Case Study.” Practical Theology 15 (6): 508–19.The Heavier Stuff:Brock, Brian. 2019. Wondrously Wounded: Theology, Disability, and the Body of Christ.Van Ommen, Armand Léon. To be published in Sept/Oct 2023. Autism and Worship: A Liturgical Theology of Availability.Ed's Written a book! Check it out here:Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing WorldSupport the show

By a Mocking of God and His Institutions, Threats to Our Churches, Country, and Jesus Followers Are Exacerbated MESSAGE SUMMARY: Our way of life is slipping quickly away from us, but our way of life is not just about elections and politics. This risk arises from direct threats to both our Christian faith-based institutions and our country's related founding principles. The news, 24/7, confirms that this risk is to our churches, to our country, and to our way of life. This threat is coming from a constant state of conflict among institutions, cultures, and individuals. The Bible provides examples of similar institutionalized conflicts throughout the ages. However, today's conflicts, in and among organized religion, are over the basic principles of Biblical teachings and Jesus' Gospel; and these conflicts make one wonder where the path for a way out of this descension and conflict will emerge.  From Clergy, Politicians, and the men and women in the street, God is mocked daily along with His institutions. Paul tells us, in Galatians 6:7, that: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Some ask, in a mocking fashion, “Where is Jesus; He is supposed to be the Peacemaker?”. Jesus answers this question in Matthew 10:34-35, 38-39: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law . . . And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."    The risks from this conflict, arising from the mocking of God and the large numbers of institutions walking away from the Christian principles upon which America was founded, will only be addressed by a change in our hearts. The hearts of the people will not change until we have a true “spiritual awakening”. As Jesus tells us in John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”. Additionally, Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 35:4: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”. A spiritual awakening is needed not only to save souls from eternal damnation but to save our way of life. This “Spiritual Awakening” begins by proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; John 16:33; John 14:27; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:46; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; John 1:12; Psalms 52:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Wake Up America!”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

By a Mocking of God and His Institutions, Threats to Our Churches, Country, and Jesus Followers Are Exacerbated MESSAGE SUMMARY: Our way of life is slipping quickly away from us, but our way of life is not just about elections and politics. This risk arises from direct threats to both our Christian faith-based institutions and our country's related founding principles. The news, 24/7, confirms that this risk is to our churches, to our country, and to our way of life. This threat is coming from a constant state of conflict among institutions, cultures, and individuals. The Bible provides examples of similar institutionalized conflicts throughout the ages. However, today's conflicts, in and among organized religion, are over the basic principles of Biblical teachings and Jesus' Gospel; and these conflicts make one wonder where the path for a way out of this descension and conflict will emerge.  From Clergy, Politicians, and the men and women in the street, God is mocked daily along with His institutions. Paul tells us, in Galatians 6:7, that: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Some ask, in a mocking fashion, “Where is Jesus; He is supposed to be the Peacemaker?”. Jesus answers this question in Matthew 10:34-35, 38-39: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law . . . And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."    The risks from this conflict, arising from the mocking of God and the large numbers of institutions walking away from the Christian principles upon which America was founded, will only be addressed by a change in our hearts. The hearts of the people will not change until we have a true “spiritual awakening”. As Jesus tells us in John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”. Additionally, Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 35:4: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”. A spiritual awakening is needed not only to save souls from eternal damnation but to save our way of life. This “Spiritual Awakening” begins by proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; John 16:33; John 14:27; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:46; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; John 1:12; Psalms 52:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Interior Life – Maintenance of the Inner Man -- Part 3: The Will”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In this episode I cover some of the Lies of Christmas and how it's NOT a "celebration" or "holiday" of OUR Ancestors and people. Too often we maintain legacies that are riddled with LIES and that honesty are Destructive and Counterproductive to US as a People. This has been a debilitating practice for too many years that even Our CHURCHES have perpetuated to Our People. We risk the complete elimination and annihilation of OUR Legacies when we maintain the legacies of another people. Therefore, it's important that we really start to reconsider the dates we teach our kids to celebrate and maintain. For years we have been lied to and socialized to perpetuate said lies, but that practice has to come to an END! We have to start researching the correct "Holy Days" to celebrate and direct our energy towards.  Everything WE do must connect back to LEGACY & LINEAGE!!  = We were the Originators of this practice!  LEGACY - The Long-Lasting impact of particular actions, events, and etc.  A couple links to get you started on your reserach: when was christmas first celebrated? - Search (bing.com) The First Christmas Celebration Recorded in History (christianity.com). https://youtu.be/KpGoeedzLuw. May you celebrate Yourself and Your Linage in a more Honorable way next year! Love, Light, Lineage, and Legacy to you All! #IWantToSeeMoreAFRICANBabiesBorn #itsreallycrazytome #makeitmakesense #thinkaboutit #rawunfiltered #CoreFoundationalBelief #AncestralConnection #Lineage #Legacy #Purpose #itsallconnected #LifeasIUnderstandIt #ThisIsMe #Connected #ProblemPussies #DamagedDicks #BrokenBabies #NoMoreGHETTO #BreakingGenerationalCurses #LineageLegacyPurpose #TheTotalPackagePodcast #ERAofCORRECTION #FamilialAccountability #AccountabilityAgent --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ttpp33/message

By a Mocking of God and His Institutions, Threats to Our Churches, Country, and Jesus Followers Are Exacerbated MESSAGE SUMMARY: Our way of life is slipping quickly away from us, but our way of life is not just about elections and politics. This risk arises from direct threats to both our Christian faith-based institutions and our country's related founding principles. The news, 24/7, confirms that this risk is to our churches, to our country, and to our way of life. This threat is coming from a constant state of conflict among institutions, cultures, and individuals. The Bible provides examples of similar institutionalized conflicts throughout the ages. However, today's conflicts, in and among organized religion, are over the basic principles of Biblical teachings and Jesus' Gospel; and these conflicts make one wonder where the path for a way out of this descension and conflict will emerge.  From Clergy, Politicians, and the men and women in the street, God is mocked daily along with His institutions. Paul tells us, in Galatians 6:7, that: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Some ask, in a mocking fashion, “Where is Jesus; He is supposed to be the Peacemaker?”. Jesus answers this question in Matthew 10:34-35, 38-39: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law . . . And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."    The risks from this conflict, arising from the mocking of God and the large numbers of institutions walking away from the Christian principles upon which America was founded, will only be addressed by a change in our hearts. The hearts of the people will not change until we have a true “spiritual awakening”. As Jesus tells us in John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”. Additionally, Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 35:4: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”. A spiritual awakening is needed not only to save souls from eternal damnation but to save our way of life. This “Spiritual Awakening” begins by proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Compulsions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Patience. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; John 16:33; John 14:27; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:46; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; John 1:12; Psalms 52:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Are You Committed to Spending Personal Relationship Time with God Through Prayer? (Video Sunday Sermon)”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jenny and I discuss an article by "ultra-leftie" Debbie Lerman, "The Catastrophic Covid Convergence," one of the articles we suggest in The Christian Atheist episode #65, "Update: 'On the Closing of Our Churches.'" We have learned SO MUCH since I published my commentary on March 20, 2020 ... well, at least some of us have. Half our population seems to be wearing blinders. "We are led to believe a lie, when we see not through the eye" The following links are all vital to understanding this issue. At a bare minimum, each and every literate person in our world should be aware of the content represented here. We could have expanded this list substantially, but we have pared it down to what we think is both representative and indispensable. https://newdiscourses.com/2020/06/woke-breaking-point/ James Lindsay, “The Woke Breaking Point” https://brownstone.org/articles/the-catastrophic-covid-convergence/ “The Catastrophic Covid Convergence” https://gbdeclaration.org/ The Great Barrington Declaration https://alexberenson.substack.com/p/i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-and “I Know What You Did Last Summer” https://youtu.be/zQLMctYO36E Jordan Peterson's podcast on Canada's failure to “follow the science” https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/312637 Israeli study: Natural immunity superior to vaccine https://www.miamiherald.com/news/coronavirus/article254111268.html The CDC redefines “vaccine” to fit the political agenda Sep-15-FINAL-PAYNE-CPSA-letter.pdf  Argument by Canadian doctor against vaccine mandates in Canadian hospital https://nclalegal.org/state-of-missouri-ex-rel-schmitt-et-al-v-biden-et-al/ The lawsuit against the Biden Administration's subversion of the First Amendment   https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChristianAtheist/featured https://www.facebook.com/JnJWiseWords https://wisewordsforyouroccasion.wordpress.com   #thechristianatheist #drjohndwise #drjohnwise #johnwise #christian #atheist #christianity #atheism #jesus #jesuschrist #god #bible #oldtestament #newtestament #nocompromise #rationality #faith #philosophy #philosopher #culture #society #hegelism #hegelianism #hegel #reason #incarnation #history#psychology #theology #literature #humanities #hardquestions #postmodernism #woke #wisdom #ethics #science #poetry #paradox #oxymoron #churchclosing #churchclosure #church #totalitarianism

In Episode 123, we talk about the problem of biblical illiteracy. It prohibits us from considering, understanding, and applying what is in the Bible to our lives. Instead, we get entangled in the rabbit holes of this inefficient and poor teaching.What's the point of going to church if we don't help people learn from the Bible who we are and what we're supposed to do? What's the point of being a Christian if we never read the directions to find out what we should be doing? What's the point of being a Christian if we don't have a life that changes because of His Word, His Work, and the Holy Spirit?Tune in now and let's go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released.Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00]Article #1: The Epidemic of Biblical Illiteracy in Our Churches – [02:13]Article #2: The Scandal of Biblical Illiteracy – [06:19]Bill's Opinion – [14:35]Final Thoughts – [19:39]Outro – [22:18]Biblical References:– Jude 1:3– Psalm 33:12– Genesis 18:32 – Isaiah 1:9– Jeremiah 5:1– Psalm 12:1and 8– 2 Chronicles 7:14– Romans 5:1– 1 John 2:2Book References:Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Menhttps://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qsAbout Our Host: Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. He also teaches ministry related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God's word to the everyday people of God. Resources: Veritas School Online Theological School https://www.veritasschool.life/ Connect with Bill Giovannetti: ● Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/● Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/● Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti● Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti● Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/ Thanks for tuning in! Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Our Churches, our Families and our Nation is in ruin and need of rebuilding.

Our Churches, our Families and our Nation is in ruin and need of rebuilding.

The Mixed Bag of Our Lives and Our Churches.

By a Mocking of God and His Institutions, Threats to Our Churches, Country, and Jesus Followers Are Exacerbated MESSAGE SUMMARY: Our way of life is slipping quickly away from us, but our way of life is not just about elections and politics. This risk arises from direct threats to both our Christian faith-based institutions and our country's related founding principles. The news, 24/7, confirms that this risk is to our churches, to our country, and to our way of life. This threat is coming from a constant state of conflict among institutions, cultures, and individuals. The Bible provides examples of similar institutionalized conflicts throughout the ages. However, today's conflicts, in and among organized religion, are over the basic principles of Biblical teachings and Jesus' Gospel; and these conflicts make one wonder where the path for a way out of this descension and conflict will emerge.  From Clergy, Politicians, and the men and women in the street, God is mocked daily along with His institutions. Paul tells us, in Galatians 6:7, that: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Some ask, in a mocking fashion, “Where is Jesus; He is supposed to be the Peacemaker?”. Jesus answers this question in Matthew 10:34-35, 38-39: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law . . . And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."    The risks from this conflict, arising from the mocking of God and the large numbers of institutions walking away from the Christian principles upon which America was founded, will only be addressed by a change in our hearts. The hearts of the people will not change until we have a true “spiritual awakening”. As Jesus tells us in John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”. Additionally, Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 35:4: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”. A spiritual awakening is needed not only to save souls from eternal damnation but to save our way of life. This “Spiritual Awakening” begins by proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Compulsions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Patience. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; John 16:33; John 14:27; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:46; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; John 1:12; Psalms 52:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Come Holy Spirit”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

By a Mocking of God and His Institutions, Threats to Our Churches, Country, and Jesus Followers Are Exacerbated MESSAGE SUMMARY: Our way of life is slipping quickly away from us, but our way of life is not just about elections and politics. This risk arises from direct threats to both our Christian faith-based institutions and our country's related founding principles. The news, 24/7, confirms that this risk is to our churches, to our country, and to our way of life. This threat is coming from a constant state of conflict among institutions, cultures, and individuals. The Bible provides examples of similar institutionalized conflicts throughout the ages. However, today's conflicts, in and among organized religion, are over the basic principles of Biblical teachings and Jesus' Gospel; and these conflicts make one wonder where the path for a way out of this descension and conflict will emerge.  From Clergy, Politicians, and the men and women in the street, God is mocked daily along with His institutions. Paul tells us, in Galatians 6:7, that: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Some ask, in a mocking fashion, “Where is Jesus; He is supposed to be the Peacemaker?”. Jesus answers this question in Matthew 10:34-35, 38-39: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law . . . And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."    The risks from this conflict, arising from the mocking of God and the large numbers of institutions walking away from the Christian principles upon which America was founded, will only be addressed by a change in our hearts. The hearts of the people will not change until we have a true “spiritual awakening”. As Jesus tells us in John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”. Additionally, Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 35:4: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”. A spiritual awakening is needed not only to save souls from eternal damnation but to save our way of life. This “Spiritual Awakening” begins by proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; John 16:33; John 14:27; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:46; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; John 1:12; Psalms 52:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Marriage – A Current Assessment (Christ the King Anglican Church; Birmingham, AL)”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

By a Mocking of God and His Institutions, Threats to Our Churches, Country, and Jesus Followers Are Exacerbated MESSAGE SUMMARY: Our way of life is slipping quickly away from us, but our way of life is not just about elections and politics. This risk arises from direct threats to both our Christian faith-based institutions and our country's related founding principles. The news, 24/7, confirms that this risk is to our churches, to our country, and to our way of life. This threat is coming from a constant state of conflict among institutions, cultures, and individuals. The Bible provides examples of similar institutionalized conflicts throughout the ages. However, today's conflicts, in and among organized religion, are over the basic principles of Biblical teachings and Jesus' Gospel; and these conflicts make one wonder where the path for a way out of this descension and conflict will emerge.  From Clergy, Politicians, and the men and women in the street, God is mocked daily along with His institutions. Paul tells us, in Galatians 6:7, that: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Some ask, in a mocking fashion, “Where is Jesus; He is supposed to be the Peacemaker?”. Jesus answers this question in Matthew 10:34-35, 38-39: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law . . . And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."    The risks from this conflict, arising from the mocking of God and the large numbers of institutions walking away from the Christian principles upon which America was founded, will only be addressed by a change in our hearts. The hearts of the people will not change until we have a true “spiritual awakening”. As Jesus tells us in John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”. Additionally, Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 35:4: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”. A spiritual awakening is needed not only to save souls from eternal damnation but to save our way of life. This “Spiritual Awakening” begins by proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Compulsions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Patience. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; John 16:33; John 14:27; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:46; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; John 1:12; Psalms 52:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Advent Sermons from Isaiah – Part 4: The King of Assyria – A Sign from the Lord”, at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Hello! Thank you to all of you for tuning in to Into the Pray. As the intro in this podcast explains, over the weekend we have been compelled to communicate again regarding the proliferation of false doctrine in our churches up and down the country and through the nations of the West. "Is Your Church Faithful? -The Instruction of 2 Timothy in Assessing The Faithfulness of Our Churches" is the open letter that Nick has written this week to the Church as a result. This episode of Into the Pray is both a brief back-story by way of explanation about the process of discerning the Lord's leading (that then resulted in this open letter) as well as an audio version of the letter itself. If you would prefer, you can read the open letter to the Church with Bible references here. Thank you very much for your ongoing prayers for healing as Nick continues to return to full health. The process is not necessarily overnight! We share more on our Patreon page for those of you who would like to walk this journey more closely with us. If you would like to support our work, (including a full-length audiobook version of Body Zero) you can do so here and/or here. Please also consider sharing this podcast to your networks for us. Our flagship content:

By a Mocking of God and His Institutions, Threats to Our Churches, Country, and Jesus Followers Are Exacerbated MESSAGE SUMMARY: Our way of life is slipping quickly away from us, but our way of life is not just about elections and politics. This risk arises from direct threats to both our Christian faith-based institutions and our country's related founding principles. The news, 24/7, confirms that this risk is to our churches, to our country, and to our way of life. This threat is coming from a constant state of conflict among institutions, cultures, and individuals. The Bible provides examples of similar institutionalized conflicts throughout the ages. However, today's conflicts, in and among organized religion, are over the basic principles of Biblical teachings and Jesus' Gospel; and these conflicts make one wonder where the path for a way out of this descension and conflict will emerge.  From Clergy, Politicians, and the men and women in the street, God is mocked daily along with His institutions. Paul tells us, in Galatians 6:7, that: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Some ask, in a mocking fashion, “Where is Jesus; He is supposed to be the Peacemaker?”. Jesus answers this question in Matthew 10:34-35, 38-39: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law . . . And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."  The risks from this conflict, arising from the mocking of God and the large numbers of institutions walking away from the Christian principles upon which America was founded, will only be addressed by a change in our hearts. The hearts of the people will not change until we have a true “spiritual awakening”. As Jesus tells us in John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”. Additionally, Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 35:4: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”. A spiritual awakening is needed not only to save souls from eternal damnation but to save our way of life. This “Spiritual Awakening” begins by proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Compulsions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Patience. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; John 16:33; John 14:27; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:46; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; John 1:12; Psalms 52:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Jesus WILL Call You to Follow Him Without Reservations While Incurring Earthly Cost Inherent in Being a Jesus Follower”, at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In one of the most overlooked sections of the Gospels, the Disciples repeatedly fumble the ball when given the chance to represent Jesus and lay the groundwork for the Church. Many of these episodes feature their misunderstanding of and contempt for children. They continually miss the point of Jesus' ministry and the desire of His heart. They aren't prepared and aren't willing to do the work to be prepared to minister to the least and smallest in the Kingdom. They actively work against Jesus' intention to reach and bless the least and the smallest. Jesus is none too pleased, and reserves some of His harshest critiques. He calls them "faithless" and "twisted", says they need to be "converted" and "humble themselves", and rebukes their misrepresentation of His heart. Across Matthew 17-19, Jesus makes it very clear: The Kingdom belongs to the least and the smallest. The heartbeat of God is for children. His command over us is that the Church share this passion and compassion for children. Our Churches are only as healthy as and obedience as our outreach towards the next generation.

Hour 1 * Guest: Eldon Stahl – Field Coordinator – The John Birch Society – JBS.org – TheNewAmerican.com. * Guest: Bryan Rust – Over the past 50 years, Rust Coins has been working to educate customers about precious metals – RustCoinAndGift.com. * Honest Money Report: Gold: $1785.60 Silver: $26.38. * Salt Lake City At a sweltering 107 degrees, on Tuesday tied the all-time hottest temperature ever recorded in city history as part of a mid-June heat wave that's already shattered scores of records since Sunday. * G-7 nations filed a joint statement calling for a “timely” investigation into the origins of COVID-19 in China. * Fauci's lies, emails published! * WHO Says Delta COVID Variant Is Spreading Rapidly It's now in 80 countries. * Nearly 40% of small businesses closed since the first COVID-19 case in the US. * More than 100,000 small businesses have closed forever as the nation's pandemic toll escalates. * The Covid-19 Crisis Has Wiped Out Nearly Half Of Black Small Businesses – Black-owned businesses are twice as likely to be closed during the pandemic, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Hour 2 * JBS vindicated over time 60th Anniversary: Celebrating The John Birch Society's Epic Journey. * The New American covers news on politics economy culture and more based on the US Constitution so that freedom shall not perish – TheNewAmerican.com. * Save our Children special issue of The New American – Actual “Education” Not Taking Place In Government Schools – Government Schools vs. Christianity. * Documents Suggest The Jan 6th Storming of the Capitol Was Organized By the FBI to Frame Conservatives – Ben Armstrong. Newly Released Government Documents Indicate FBI May Have Orchestrated January 6 “Insurrection”. This is bombshell stuff. The FBI was conducting what seems to be illegal entrapment schemes to frame Conservatives and President Trump. I couldn't make it up if I wanted to. * Operation Gun Walker/Gunrunner/Fast and Furious Continues? * An investigation by the Associated Press determined that at least 1,900 US military firearms were lost or stolen during the 2010s, and a number of them were used to commit violent crimes afterward. A variety of weapons ranging from handguns and shotguns to automatic rifles have disappeared from military inventories, according to records from the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Army. * Communism in Our Churches? An Interview with Filmmaker Judd Saul. * Abolish Abortion Using State Governments, Says Daniel Navejas. * The First Amendment does not disappear because of The Chrisis of the Day! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/loving-liberty/support

* JBS vindicated over time 60th Anniversary: Celebrating The John Birch Society's Epic Journey. * The New American covers news on politics economy culture and more based on the US Constitution so that freedom shall not perish - TheNewAmerican.com. * Save our Children special issue of The New American - Actual “Education” Not Taking Place In Government Schools - Government Schools vs. Christianity. * Documents Suggest The Jan 6th Storming of the Capitol Was Organized By the FBI to Frame Conservatives - Ben Armstrong. Newly Released Government Documents Indicate FBI May Have Orchestrated January 6 “Insurrection”. This is bombshell stuff. The FBI was conducting what seems to be illegal entrapment schemes to frame Conservatives and President Trump. I couldn't make it up if I wanted to. * Operation Gun Walker/Gunrunner/Fast and Furious Continues? * An investigation by the Associated Press determined that at least 1,900 US military firearms were lost or stolen during the 2010s, and a number of them were used to commit violent crimes afterward. A variety of weapons ranging from handguns and shotguns to automatic rifles have disappeared from military inventories, according to records from the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Army. * Communism in Our Churches? An Interview with Filmmaker Judd Saul. * Abolish Abortion Using State Governments, Says Daniel Navejas. * The First Amendment does not disappear because of The Chrisis of the Day!

Recently Saddleback Church (the numerically largest church in the Southern Baptist Convention) ordained three women as pastors. How should we think about this? What passages apply to this situation? Will this issue become an issue again in the SBC? Join our hosts as they explore these issues of who should hold the role and function of pastor in a local church. Helpful Links: 1. Baptist Faith and Message 2000 2. Women Pastors, Women Preachers, and the Looming Test of the Southern Baptist Convention 3. Should Women Preach in Our Churches? 4. The Feminist Mistake: The Radical Impact of Feminism on Church and Culture --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/appalachian-baptist-network/message

Dr. Greg Gilbaugh is a dental entrepreneur and currently oversees two large multi doctor, multi-specialty dental clinics, and has served in church leadership positions for over 30 years.  He is also the founder of The Kalos Business Group which as an accomplished speaker and coach helps business owners and entrepreneurs connect their faith to their business interests so that they can not only develop a deeper faith, but also build a better business, and have a greater impact in their homes, businesses, churches, and community.” TOPICBringing Stewardship Into Our Businesses and Our Churches·       What does Sterwardship look like in our businesses?·       What does Sterwardship look like in our Church?·       Why wouled we even do that?

How do we best understand the seven letters to seven churches in Revelation? Brandon Smith joins Brian and Aaron to help us discover how we see the good news on display in Revelation 2-3. Apple Podcasts Player FM Podbean Have questions or suggestions for an upcoming episode of The Hero of the Story? Reach out... The post Ep. 20: 7 Letters, 7 Churches and Our Churches appeared first on The Gospel Project.