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The Prophet Isaiah said that the Lord Jesus Christ would have no great outward appearance that they would desire Him to be their Messiah, but it was His inward appearance through His love, mercy and grace that drew all men to Him.
Why do religious people reject Jesus?In John 5:30–47, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His day with a sobering truth: it is possible to know the Scriptures, practice religion, and still miss the Savior. They searched the Scriptures, but failed to see that they pointed to Christ. They were devoted to religious activity, but lacked a genuine love for God. They admired Moses, yet missed the One to whom Moses pointed.This sermon reminds us that the greatest danger is not merely rejecting Jesus through unbelief, but missing Him through outward religion. The Bible exists to lead us to Christ, true religion is marked by love for God, and Jesus alone is the hero of the biblical story—and of our lives.Sermon OutlineTitle:Don't Miss JesusText: John 5:30–47Big Idea: Don't miss Jesus.Religious people reject Jesus because they miss the purpose of the Bible. (vv. 39–40)The Scriptures point to Christ.Bible knowledge without Christ cannot save.Religious people reject Jesus because they miss the heart of true religion. (vv. 41–44)True religion is loving God.Outward religion without love is empty.Religious people reject Jesus because they miss the hero of their story. (vv. 45–47)Moses himself pointed to Christ.Jesus is the hero of Scripture, history, and every Christian's life.Study & Discussion QuestionsAccording to John 5:39–40, what mistake were the religious leaders making when they searched the Scriptures?Why is it possible to know a great deal about the Bible yet still miss Jesus?What does Jesus reveal about the condition of the religious leaders' hearts in verses 41–44?How does Deuteronomy 6:4–5 help us understand what Jesus means by "the love of God"?In what ways can Christians today become more focused on outward religion than on loving God?Why does Jesus say that Moses would testify against the religious leaders (vv. 45–47)?How does the Old Testament point us to Christ? Can you think of specific examples?Who or what are you tempted to make the "hero" of your story instead of Jesus?How can you read the Bible in a way that continually leads you to know, love, and trust Christ more deeply?After hearing this passage, what is one practical way you can make Christ more central in your Bible reading, worship, or daily life this week?
Preached in 2024. For more resources for knowing and loving God's word, visit bcnewton.co If you have benefited from this episode, consider sharing with others. You can also support my work financially at this link.Book recommendations
We started our new series this week called Raising the Bar, with Pastor Simon speaking on raising the bar from outward to inward in our lives. ____We'd love to meet you! We gather every Sunday at the locations below
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” — Psalm 24:4 Outward practical holiness is a very precious mark of grace. It is to be feared that many professors have perverted the doctrine of justification by faith in such a way as […]
Jude 1-2 Pastor Casey Fritz introduces us to Jude and his much needed blessing and call for Christian's today.
This is a sermon preached at Outward Church by Matt Porter.
- The episode opens with the launch of the America 250 celebration in Washington, casting it as a patriotic showcase of military pride, music, history, and national identity while several blue states refuse to participate. - A major focus is the deepening split between patriotic celebration and progressive governance, with Boston and Massachusetts singled out for elevating Somali symbolism while opting out of a national tribute to America's founding. - The show warns that New York's recent elections are not an isolated flare-up but a model for how socialists and anti-American radicals can spread through other blue cities with low-turnout primaries and disciplined ideological voters. - Brad Lander's win is framed as another sign of political submission to the city's hard-left base, with the episode arguing that open hostility to Israel and deference to Muslim political power now function as electoral currency in Democratic politics. - The episode closes on Caitlin Clark, pointing to another violent sequence on the court and her omission from a major WNBA anniversary campaign as proof that jealousy inside the league is turning into open targeting of the player who transformed its relevance. Today's podcast is sponsored by : PARAMOUNT PLUS - Don't Miss "The Agency." All episodes streaming June 21st on Paramount Plus QUINCE CLOTHING - Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to http://Quince.com/GERRY for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. CROWN ATLANTIC - Don't put off getting Life Insurance another day. Go to http://LifeForLess.com for your free quote and more information today. Listen to Newsmax LIVE and see our entire podcast lineup at http://Newsmax.com/Listen Make the switch to NEWSMAX today! Get your 15 day free trial of NEWSMAX+ at http://NewsmaxPlus.com Looking for NEWSMAX caps, tees, mugs & more? Check out the Newsmax merchandise shop at: http://nws.mx/shop Follow NEWSMAX on Social Media: • Facebook: http://nws.mx/FB • X/Twitter: http://nws.mx/twitter • Instagram: http://nws.mx/IG • YouTube: https://youtube.com/NewsmaxTV • Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsmaxTV • TRUTH Social: https://truthsocial.com/@NEWSMAX • GETTR: https://gettr.com/user/newsmax • Threads: http://threads.net/@NEWSMAX • Telegram: http://t.me/newsmax • BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/newsmax.com • Parler: http://app.parler.com/newsmax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Eight years ago, Slate editor Bryan Lowder and writer Christina Cauterucci, with the help of producer June Thomas, kick-started a new podcast that aimed to enrich and expand the conversation around the biggest cultural and political stories affecting the LGBTQ community. Whether it was marriage equality, trans visibility, or gays buying guns, nothing was off limits. For this final episode, Bryan and Christina welcome back June to reflect on all the pride and provocation and provide one final update to the Gay Agenda. They're also joined by a few familiar voices before sending this show upward and outward. Stay Gay! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Eight years ago, Slate editor Bryan Lowder and writer Christina Cauterucci, with the help of producer June Thomas, kick-started a new podcast that aimed to enrich and expand the conversation around the biggest cultural and political stories affecting the LGBTQ community. Whether it was marriage equality, trans visibility, or gays buying guns, nothing was off limits. For this final episode, Bryan and Christina welcome back June to reflect on all the pride and provocation and provide one final update to the Gay Agenda. They're also joined by a few familiar voices before sending this show upward and outward. Stay Gay! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pastor Jack continues our The Way of Jesus series on Father's Day with "Ways and Wolves". If life is a journey, what direction is your life heading? Hodos- Way, road or path. A way of life. Apoleia- Ruin or Loss. The release from that which makes one whole. Ginosko – To come to know. Not head knowledge, but relational knowledge. Outward religious activity is not the same as genuine relationship with Jesus. —— If you want to support what God is doing through Cityline, click here: https://www.citylineonline.churchcenter.com/giving Want to learn more about Cityline and how to get involved? Click here: https://citylineonline.org Are you in need of prayer or someone to talk with? Click here: https://citylineonline.org/prayer —— Follow us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citylineonline/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citylineonline/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCumM40GFhmHumITXmh8MV0g Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cityline-church/id1308579363?mt=2 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pHyJ5pxtry1tIMlD9ZBPd?si=e01fc4636d5543e1
Looking outward, it can be tempting to jump to conclusions about the unconscious bias we might assign to other people. We can make assumptions about what we know about their upbringing, how they look, who they spend time with, where they live, what we think we know about them. Better to resist that temptation. Unconscious bias can and does cause damage. A downward spiral where I assume the worst in you and encourage you to do the same about me has no winners. Do you have comments or suggestions about a topic or guest? An idea or question about conflict management or conflict resolution? Let me know at jb@dovetailresolutions.com! And you can learn more about me and my work as a mediator and a Certified CINERGY® Conflict Coach at www.dovetailresolutions.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebeddall/. Enjoy the show for free on your favorite podcast app or on the podcast website: https://craftingsolutionstoconflict.com/
Some seasons pull you inward before they send you forward, and what gets built there tends to be the part of you that carries everything else. This episode is about that rhythm, and why the hard seasons often produce the most essential version of who you're becoming. Full show notes, transcript, and chapters at sheilabotelho.com/603.✍️ Sheila's Notes - The reflections I write only here. For your Expansion Season.
Wednesday June 17, 2026 Intro: Before salvation, before we were made new, we had little or no resistance to the sins... for full notes: https://www.cgtruth.org/index.php?proc=msg&sf=vw&tid=3308
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Jesus didn't come to build a crowd. He came to build something far more lasting. In week one of The Blueprint, discover a foundational value that has shaped Sun City Church from the start and continues to define who we're becoming.
In Hebrews 10:19-25, the author encourages us to never stop meeting together as a Church Body. In this passage, "LET US" statements are used to show us how it is essential that we fellowship in order for us to flourish in our relationship with Jesus Christ, the head of HIs Body, The Church.
The Rebbe writes that from now on, peace should increase among Torah scholars, emphasizing the importance of using one's time and talents to spread Chassidus. This spiritual work prepares for both spiritual and physical settlement in Eretz Yisrael with the coming of Moshiach. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/011/009/3593
In this episode, we explore the distinction between compliance and willingness in the horse–human relationship. Here we discuss learned helplessness, latency and behavioral enthusiasm, stress physiology, emotional engagement during training, and what willingness may look like behaviorally. Outward obedience does not always reflect the horse's internal emotional experience and invites listeners to observe training interactions with greater curiosity and nuance.Sources & Further ReadingsLearned Helplessness & Animal BehaviorSeligman, M. E. P. (1972). Learned helplessness. Annual Review of Medicine, 23, 407–412. Hall, C., Goodwin, D., Heleski, C., Randle, H., & Waran, N. (2008). Is there evidence of learned helplessness in horses? Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 11(3), 249–266. Stress Physiology & WelfareChristensen, J. W., et al. (2006). Effects of training methods on stress responses in horses. Physiology & Behavior, 89(4), 489–497. von Lewinski, M., et al. (2013). Cortisol release, heart rate, and behavior during horse training. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 8(6), 401–407. Equitation Science & Learning TheoryMcGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2010). Equitation Science. Wiley-Blackwell. McLean, A. N., & McGreevy, P. D. (2007). The role of learning theory in equitation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2(4), 108–118. Positive Engagement & Human InteractionSankey, C., et al. (2010). Positive interactions lead to lasting positive memories in horses. Animal Behaviour, 79(4), 869–875.
Outward religion disdained in Heaven. Evil confessed. The bright morning of Messiah's Millennium.
The purposes every follower of Jesus carries aren't dependent on our circumstances or calendar. In this message, we explore three directions every believer is called to live: Godward, Outward, and Inward.
The purposes every follower of Jesus carries aren't dependent on our circumstances or calendar. In this message, we explore three directions every believer is called to live: Godward, Outward, and Inward.
This episode is a reflection on discipleship as a journey of inner transformation and outward expression, showing how believers grow in spiritual maturity by becoming more like Christ in character, obedience, and dependence on God, and how that growth naturally flows into a life that reflects Jesus and actively participates in His mission in the world.#citamchurchonline #ChurchEverydayGet in touch with us:http://www.citam.org/churchonline@citam.org(+254) 784 277 277(+254) 728 221 221
Today is day 132 and we are studying The Sacrament of Holy Communion. 132. What is the outward and visible sign in Holy Communion? The visible sign is bread and wine, which Christ commands us to receive. (1 Corinthians 11:23–26) We will conclude today with The Collect for Maundy Thursday found on page 561 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today is day 126 and we are studying The Sacrament of Baptism. 126. What is the outward and visible sign in Baptism? The outward and visible sign is water, in which candidates are baptized “in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Book of Common Prayer 2019; see also Genesis 9:8–17; Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Peter 3:18–22) We will conclude today with Paragraph One of the Baptismal Prayer found on page 168 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Leslie continues the Steadfast Heart series with an inspiring episode about the joy of turning outward. While we often believe that focusing on ourselves is the best solution for emotional struggles, in God's kingdom the opposite is actually true. Through historical stories and practical encouragement, this episode reminds us of the soul-level satisfcation that comes from working in cooperation with God's Spirit to bless and strengthen others.For more resources from Leslie, visit https://setapart.org/. To learn more about the 2026 Set Apart Conference, visit https://setapart.org/2026-set-apart-conference/. To learn about our 2026 Ellerslie programs, visit https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/. To support Set Apart Ministries, visit https://setapart.org/support/.
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. [NKJV]
This is message 43 in Gospel Record of John John 13:21-30 It is possible to be close to truth, involved in spiritual things, and still remain unchanged at heart, and that is the danger this message exposes. Outward appearance, service, and knowledge mean nothing without genuine faith in Christ, for a heart that resists Him will grow harder over time, Grace may be offered again and again, but if it is continually rejected, sin will take hold and lead to destruction. The call is clear to move beyond association and truly trust the Savior, because only a surrendered heart can receive the forgiveness and life that He freely gives. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through PushPay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc
When a student or child is dysregulated, adults often focus entirely on finding the right words to say or the appropriate consequence to give. But what if the most critical factor in that interaction isn't the consequence itself, but the energy of the adult delivering it? Dr. Lori Desautels, an educator, researcher, and professor of applied educational neuroscience at Butler University, joins the podcast to reframe how we approach discipline, emotional regulation, and transitions. Her latest manual, Body and Brain Brilliance, emphasizes that true support, whether in a classroom or a living room, must begin with the adult's own nervous system. Emily and Lori discuss why transitions are biologically exhausting, how to build a vocabulary around physical sensations, and why traditional, punitive discipline models often escalate neurodivergent students. Lori also outlines a practical, compassionate framework for repairing ruptures between teachers and students, shifting the focus away from sheer compliance and toward co-regulation. TAKEAWAYS A dysregulated adult cannot effectively regulate a dysregulated child, making the adult's own awareness the first pillar of support. The goal isn't to be perfectly calm all the time, it's to cultivate "embodied awareness," recognizing the physical signs of when your nervous system is activated. Transitions are difficult because the brain consumes significant energy moving from a predictable, comfortable state into new expectations or environments. Effective discipline often requires an adult to offer their grounded nervous system to a child who needs to borrow a little stability. Outward behavior is not necessarily defiance, it's often an indicator that the nervous system is struggling and requires support. Late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults are frequently missed in clinical settings because their presentations - often masked by high intellect, outward compliance, or severe perfectionism - fail to match traditional diagnostic expectations. Join Emily Kircher-Morris on May 1st for a targeted continuing education training designed to equip mental health professionals with the updated frameworks necessary to identify and support this population. This session covers the clinical complexities of burnout, masking, and the internalized stigma that accompanies late identification. Earn 1.5 APA and NBCC-approved CE hours (available live or via recorded independent study) by registering at neurodiversity.university or clicking here. Dr. Lori Desautels is an educator, researcher, and professor of Applied Educational Neuroscience at Butler University, where she teaches graduate students and advances research connecting brain science to classroom practice. Her work centers on trauma-accommodating, neurodiversity-affirming frameworks that support both educators and students. Dr. Desautels is the author of several books, including her newest manual, Body and Brain Brilliance, which outlines the four pillars of the Applied Educational Neuroscience framework. Her approach provides Tier One strategies that integrate regulation, relationship, and brain-based practices to foster environments where adults, children, and youth can thrive. BACKGROUND READING Lori's website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com. If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
Boldness. Not the kind that stays inside, but the kind that shows up in your life. Because once God does something in you, He wants to do something through you. That's where many of us stop. We face our wounds. We start to change. We get back on track, and then we settle. But Christianity doesn't end with transformation. That's where it begins. In this episode, John and Victor explore what it means to live your faith out loud, not for attention, but for mission: - Why people stop at personal growth instead of stepping into purpose - What holy boldness looks like in everyday life - The difference between being pushy and speaking truth in love - Why fear and feeling unqualified hold us back - How your story might be exactly what someone else needs God didn't set you free so you could stay comfortable. He set you free so you could help set others free. So where is He asking you to step out that you've been avoiding? Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John
Send us Fan MailIn today's culture, more couples than ever are asking: Why do relationships fail? Why do marriages not last? Why do we keep having the same arguments?In this powerful episode of Marriage Mondays with The Kings, Kenya & ShanTrail King unpack one of the most searched relationship topics today—the impact of unhealed wounds, emotional triggers, and lack of self-awareness in marriage and relationships.Too often, people expect their partner to fix what they didn't break—insecurities, past trauma, fear, and emotional pain—and it creates a cycle of frustration, disconnection, and conflict.This episode dives deep into: Why relationships are failing today despite love being present How emotional triggers and unresolved trauma show up in marriage The truth about relationship patterns, self-sabotage, and communication breakdown Why expecting your spouse to meet unspoken emotional needs leads to disappointment The importance of self-reflection, accountability, and inner healing How to shift from blaming your partner to doing the work within With practical insight and faith-based wisdom, this conversation challenges listeners to stop looking outward for solutions and start doing the internal work required for real relationship growth, emotional connection, and lasting love.If you've been searching for:why relationships failhow to fix a struggling relationshiphow to communicate better in marriagehow to stop arguing with your spousehow to heal emotionally in a relationshipThis episode is for you.Because the truth is— the relationship you want is built by the work you're willing to do within yourself.
Slate and the team at Eureka Street Productions are so honored by this award and want to thank everyone who has listened to and supported the show. This series tells the story of the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco, one of the first gay-positive churches in America, and how its congregation faced the AIDS epidemic, including the deaths of hundreds of its members.At the heart of the series is a remarkable discovery: 1,200 cassette tapes of sermons, memorials, and music recorded inside the church during the worst years of the crisis. A church member rescued them after they'd been thrown away. What you hear isn't people reconstructing the past from memory, it's the actual voices from inside the crisis, preserved on tape and brought to life across 10 episodes. It's a story about resilience, the strength of community, and finding beauty and hope even in the darkest of times—a message with powerful resonances decades later.To celebrate this award, Lynne Gerber, the host of the show, recorded a special note to listeners, and we are bringing back the trailer to introduce new listeners—who are just finding When We All Get to Heaven from the Peabody Award—to the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Westend61/Getty Images What happens when the people reshaping our world don't believe in introspection? This hour, a look at looking inward. And, we explore the spectrum of mental imagery. GUESTS: Elizabeth Lopatto: Senior reporter for The Verge Maja Spener: Associate Professor in Philosophy at the University of Birmingham. She is the author of Introspection: First-Person Access in Science and Agency Reshanne Reeder: Lecturer in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Liverpool Music featured (in order): Who Knows – Daniel Caesar What Kind of Fool Am I – Sammy Davis Jr. Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson There’s No Telling – Duncan Sheik I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry – Cassandra Wilson Pretty Little Picture – Zero Mostel (Original Broadway Cast) Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andrea and Brett Bevell explore how Reiki can become more than a healing technique, becoming a way to embody peace in everyday life. They talk about higher self-guided Reiki, the Reiki crystal, and the ways Brett's work has evolved through creativity, intuition, and a willingness to follow new energetic possibilities beyond conventional approaches. Together, they also reflect on what it means to be a steady presence in uncertain times. From personal healing to collective ripple effects, this conversation explores inner peace, spiritual innovation, and the invitation to live in a way that brings more calm, compassion, and consciousness into the world around you. Their conversation also touches on the unique energy of the Omega Institute, which played an important role in Brett's own spiritual development, and the kind of immersive setting that can support deeper reflection, connection, and healing for those who feel called to explore their own path there.Learn more about Brett Bevell at https://brettbevell.com/This episode was recorded: March 24th, 2026 For Brett's previous episode on What Resonates?, check out: https://www.whatresonatespodcast.com/s5-ep22-reiki-innovation-vs-sacred-tradition-with-brett-bevell/Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Beacons of Peace 00:35 - Welcome 01:07 – Welcome back Brett Bevell 03:12 - Reiki Crystal Explained 05:00 - Andrea Sees the Crystal 08:40 - Higher Self Fusion 11:12 - Backlash and Criticism 13:13 - Omega Institute Journey 18:16 - Learning as Activism 19:51 - New Book and Peace 21:56 - Omega Workshop Preview 23:18 - Meet the Faculty Team 26:04 - Catalogue Love and Next Steps 26:23 - Campus Workshop Flow 27:19 - Omega Point Connections 28:34 - Synchronicities And Friends 29:41 - Daily Open Classes 30:44 - How Omega Began 33:21 - Why Omega Thrives 35:37 - Life Without Omega 36:27 - Ultra Psychic Reiki 40:11 - Redefining Energy Language 41:42 - Find Omega And Brett 42:39 - Guided Reiki HealinJoin Andrea in the United Kingdom to learn Reiki in person in June 2026! One Reiki I and II class and one Reiki Master class will be offered in Horton, Northampton, at the beautiful French Partridge Hotel. Accommodation packages, including room and meals, are available for each class. Learn more HEREAndrea's Links: https://beacons.ai/andrea_kennedyAndrea's Reiki Business Success Course:https://www.mainstreamreiki.com/reiki-business-success-courseVisit our websiteVisit our Amazon Shop Sponsored by The Mainstream Reiki Community https://members.mainstreamreiki.com/HealthyLine offers revolutionary PEMF and far-infrared mats. Get 10% off and free shipping in the continental US with code "Mainstream10FS". What Resonates? is produced by Twisted Spur MediaAndrea may earn money through Amazon for qualifying purchases.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program do not reflect those of the podcast or anyone affiliated with its production. This program is presented for entertainment purposes only. The utilization of the information provided is at the listener's own discretion.
This is a companion podcast for this morning's mantra. Kindness begins within. In a world that can feel rushed and disconnected, today’s meditation invites us to soften our hearts, choose compassion in small moments, and allow that energy to ripple outward. Your Morning Mantra: I choose kindness and let it ripple outward. Jennifer Cray is a life coach, meditation teacher and yoga teacher for Living Lit Up, based in Brisbane. You can deepen your meditation practices with her on Insight Timer. Insight TimerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lately, we've been exploring a simple but powerful idea: Joy is meant to be shared. We've heard how stories shape us. How stability restores dignity. How gifts, when given away, multiply. And again and again, we've seen the same pattern: Someone receives help. Hope takes root. And that hope begins to ripple outward. To close this season, we're turning to two recent stories from Caring Magazine—stories that show how that ripple effect is unfolding right now across The Salvation Army's Western Territory. These stories remind us: Joy doesn't always arrive loudly. Sometimes it looks like steady progress. A safe place to sleep. A mentor who checks in. A class that builds confidence. A plan for tomorrow. This is what sharing the joy looks like. Not just inspiration—but transformation. Not just relief—but renewal. Not just help—but the kind of support that makes paying it forward possible. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. FIND YOUR STORY. Get the email course. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.
Part four of the "Seed Life" series. Pastor Richard completes the series showing how MIGHTY our SEED is on the Earth. We need to look UPWARD then OUTWARD to become GOOD GROUND for GOD'S SEED to IMPACT OTHERS.
Welcome to Day 2824 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2824 – Great Deeds, Strong Faith, Big God – Luke 5:12-26 Putnam Church Message – 02/22/2026 Luke's Account of the Good News - “Great Deeds, Strong Faith, Big God.” Last week, we continued our study of the ministry of Jesus Christ with a message titled “What It's Like to Fish With Jesus,” where we learned that fishing with Jesus looks nothing like fishing alone. Today, we continue with the thirteenth message in Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ in a message titled “Great Deeds, Strong Faith, Big God.” Our Core verses for this week are Luke 5:12-26, found on page 1598 of your Pew Bibles. Follow along as I read. SCRIPTURE READING — Luke 5:12-26 (NIV) Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[a] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 Then Jesus ordered him, “Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man 17 One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” 21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, ‘Get up and walk'? 24 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” Opening Prayer Father, we come before You aware that our vision of You is often too small. We confess that we shrink You down to the size of our schedules, our worries, and our expectations. Enlarge our vision today. Open our eyes to see Your authority, Your compassion, and Your power to forgive. Give us strong faith in a big God. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. When God Gets Too Small And it happens so subtly. / Israel had done it. / The Pharisees had done it. Even sincere believers can do it. By the time of Tiberius Caesar, Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate, Annas, and Caiaphas, God had been reduced to a cosmic scorekeeper — tallying good deeds, deducting points for bad behavior, enforcing Sabbath rules, inspecting hand-washing rituals, policing technicalities. God had become predictable. / Manageable. / Containable. / Small. And then Jesus walked into their world — and suddenly God began growing again. Luke 5:12–26 is not merely about miracles. / It is about vision. / It is about authority. /It is about discovering that God is far bigger than we imagined. Today we see: • A great deed • Strong faith • A very big God And the question Luke leaves hanging over the entire scene is this: Will our vision of God expand… or will we shrink Him back down? Main Point One: A Big God Touches the Untouchable (Luke 5:12–16) Let's begin with the leper. Luke tells us: “In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy…” (Luke 5:12, NLT) Not a mild case. / Not a recent diagnosis. / “Advanced Case or Covered” — literally full of it. In the ancient world, leprosy was not just a medical condition. / It was social death. / It was religious exclusion. / It was isolation. Leviticus 13 required the leper to live outside the camp. / To cry out “Unclean!” / To avoid contact. |Imagine the loneliness. / Imagine the silence. / Imagine the years without touch. / He had likely not felt a human hand in years. And then he sees Jesus. And he falls on his face and says: “Lord, if You are willing, You can heal me and make me clean.” (12) Notice what he does not say. / He does not question Jesus' ability. / He questions His willingness. / Ability wasn't the problem. / Acceptance was. And perhaps that's where some of us live. / We don't doubt that God can. / We wonder if He will. / Or if He wants to. / Or if we are worth touching. And then Luke records something breathtaking. “Jesus reached out and touched him.” / He touched him! / Jesus could have spoken the word from across the street. / He healed from miles away in John 4. / He commanded demons with a phrase. / But here — He touches. Why? Because the miracle was not only physical. / It was relational. / The leper didn't just need cleansing. / He needed restoration. / He needed to feel accepted. / And in that moment, God got bigger. / The Pharisees saw uncleanness. / Jesus saw a man. Ancient Perspective In Jewish thought, leprosy symbolized sin. / It was visible corruption. / Outward manifestation of inward decay. / When Miriam was struck with leprosy (Numbers 12), it was associated with rebellion. / When Naaman was cleansed (2 Kings 5), it was seen as divine mercy. Rabbinic tradition even said curing leprosy was as difficult as raising the dead. / In other words, this was beyond human ability. / Which is exactly where Jesus operates. Object Lesson — Hold up a glove. Without a hand inside, it is lifeless. / Shapeless. Useless. / But when a hand enters it — suddenly it moves, grasps, functions. The leper's life was like that glove. / Empty. / Isolated. / Untouchable. Until God entered his story. / The difference was not in the glove. / It was in the hand. Modern Analogy There are “lepers” today. / Not with skin disease. / But with stigma. / Addiction. Failure. / Public scandal. / Divorce. / Depression. / Bankruptcy. / Shame. Society and even some churches say: Keep your distance. Jesus says: Come here. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us: “We do not have a high priest who...
Jude 20–25 lays out a steady path for worn-down believers built around three directions: inward, outward, and upward. Inwardly, it calls believers to take responsibility for their faith by building on a solid foundation through prayer in the Spirit, staying rooted in God's love, and holding onto hope in Christ's coming mercy. That kind of hope lifts the heart out of present discouragement and anchors it in future restoration. Outwardly, faith shows up as action—offering patient mercy to those who doubt and stepping in urgently to help those drifting toward danger. Upwardly, the passage reminds believers that God is the one who keeps, strengthens, and ultimately presents them blameless with joy. Together, this creates a simple rhythm: stay grounded in God, reach out to others with compassion, and trust fully in His power to finish what He started.
7. Cline addresses the vulnerability of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, which served as models for "what not to do" during a crisis. Despite their outward appearance of strength, these societies were fragile systems that collapsed completely after the 12th century BC. Their writing system, Linear B, was limited to accounting, leaving no literary records of their downfall. The transition to the Iron Age saw the disappearance of their specific social structures, though names of gods like Zeus and Poseidon endured. This period illustrates how societies can appear vibrant while being internally decayed, leading to a total replacement of their political identities. (7)
Lari Snorek, CSB, from Harvard, Massachusetts, USAYou can read Lari's editorial in the Christian Science Sentinel.
Daily Word A trap that many entrepreneurs and ministers fall into is making their God-given vision their god, instead of the Lord being their God. This is a deceptive trap. All your outward actions may look godly and in line with the vision, but your heart motivation is no longer right. This is dangerous because outward actions are meaningless when your heart motive is wrong. __________ Revelation 2:1-5 KJV, 1 Samuel 16:7 KJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________
It’s about time to pay the credit card bills from this past Christmas. Sadly, often those bills last longer than the gifts did. Ouch. But that’s how it is, right? The things of this world promise a lot of joy, but the joy expires before the cost. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us reevaluate our priorities, and set our focus on the eternal. A life lived for eternity experiences joy that never fades, and the price has been paid. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever gotten up too quickly and felt a little light-headed . . . maybe lost your balance? When you lose your balance, it’s hard to walk a straight line. Spiritually, some believers let their lives get out of balance, and then have difficulty walking the straight and narrow path of faith. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, some help from Pastor Greg Laurie on bringing our lives back into balance . . . back into harmony with God’s plan. It’s a prescription for healing what ails us spiritually. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.