Podcasts about possessions

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Host: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin) and Co-Host: (ronthe3manweav)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Solomon's experiment in Ecclesiastes 2 explores whether meaning can be found in life lived “under the sun,” apart from God. He pursues every human avenue of fulfillment: pleasure, wine, massive projects, wealth, sexual relationships, reputation, and legacy. With immense resources he essentially tries to build a secular Eden where nothing is off limits. Yet each pursuit ends the same way. Pleasure fades, achievements lose their shine, possessions multiply without satisfaction, and death ultimately levels every person. The verdict of the experiment is stark: life without God becomes empty and exhausting, a constant chase for something that never delivers lasting meaning. The deeper issue is misplacing meaning in things that cannot carry its weight. When people look to pleasure, relationships, status, or circumstances to provide identity and purpose, disappointment and resentment follow. Solomon's insight exposes a pattern that still shapes modern culture, where endless consumption and stimulation attempt to numb deeper questions of purpose. The answer is not rejecting enjoyment but rediscovering a joyful God who gives life as a gift, cultivating gratitude, and learning to receive daily blessings from Him rather than striving endlessly for the next thing. True satisfaction comes not from chasing more, but from living in relationship with the God who gives meaning to everything.

There's a way to experience real life change, and it isn't about trying harder; it's about a completely new way of thinking.Negative Command: “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world…”Passive voiceImperativePresent tenseTranslation: “Stop allowing yourselves to be molded by the influences and pressures of this present world system.”Application: We are to be SEPARATE from the world's values. -1 Jn. 2:15-17Summary: The world's system seeks to SEDUCE us from our love for Christ by PLEASURE, POSSESSIONS, and POSITION.Positive Command: “…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”Passive voiceImperativePresent tenseTranslation: “But allow God to completely change your inward thinking and outward behavior by cooperating wholeheartedly moment-by-moment with the Spirit's renewing process.”Application: Are you shaped more by the WORLD or the WORD? -Mat. 4:4; 2 Cor. 3:18The means of transformation: “…by the renewing of your mind.”Renewing your mind is a continual REFOCUS of a Romans 12:1 perspective.Renewing your mind will always involve a BATTLE.Renewing your mind is a SUPERNATURAL work of the Spirit.Practical methods for “Renewing Your Mind”HEARING God's Word -Rom. 10:17Use your TIME wisely. Be in the WordREAD God's Word -Rev. 1:3STUDY God's Word -2 Tim. 2:15MEMORIZE God's Word -Psa. 119:9,11MEDITATE on God's Word -Jos. 1:8A tool for transformation: The “2PROAPT” MethodBroadcast ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional ResourcesBecome a Monthly PartnerTrue Spirituality BookTake the Real You Assessment FreeWhat Every New Believer Needs to KnowConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Do Your Possessions Own You? | The Basement #17

There's a way to experience real life change, and it isn't about trying harder; it's about a completely new way of thinking.Negative Command: “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world…”Passive voiceImperativePresent tenseTranslation: “Stop allowing yourselves to be molded by the influences and pressures of this present world system.”Application: We are to be SEPARATE from the world's values. -1 Jn. 2:15-17Summary: The world's system seeks to SEDUCE us from our love for Christ by PLEASURE, POSSESSIONS, and POSITION.Positive Command: “…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”Passive voiceImperativePresent tenseTranslation: “But allow God to completely change your inward thinking and outward behavior by cooperating wholeheartedly moment-by-moment with the Spirit's renewing process.”Application: Are you shaped more by the WORLD or the WORD? -Mat. 4:4; 2 Cor. 3:18The means of transformation: “…by the renewing of your mind.”Renewing your mind is a continual REFOCUS of a Romans 12:1 perspective.Renewing your mind will always involve a BATTLE.Renewing your mind is a SUPERNATURAL work of the Spirit.Practical methods for “Renewing Your Mind”HEARING God's Word -Rom. 10:17Use your TIME wisely. Be in the WordREAD God's Word -Rev. 1:3STUDY God's Word -2 Tim. 2:15MEMORIZE God's Word -Psa. 119:9,11MEDITATE on God's Word -Jos. 1:8A tool for transformation: The “2PROAPT” MethodBroadcast ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional ResourcesBecome a Monthly PartnerTrue Spirituality BookTake the Real You Assessment FreeWhat Every New Believer Needs to KnowConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Would you like to get God's best for your life? Chip continues in Romans 12, and reveals how you can get God's best.Negative Command: “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world…”Passive voiceImperativePresent tenseTranslation: Stop allowing yourselves to be molded by the influences and pressures of this present world system.Application: We are to be SEPARATE from the world's values. -1 Jn. 2:15-17Summary: The world's system seeks to SEDUCE us from our love for Christ by PLEASURE, POSSESSIONS, and POSITION.Positive Command: “…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”Passive voiceImperativePresent tenseTranslation: But allow God to completely change your inward thinking and outward behavior by cooperating wholeheartedly moment-by-moment with the Spirit's renewing process.Application: Are you shaped more by the WORLD or the WORD? -Mat. 4:4; 2 Cor. 3:18The means of transformation: “…by the renewing of your mind.”Renewing your mind is a continual REFOCUS of a Romans 12:1 perspective.Renewing your mind will always involve a BATTLE. Renewing your mind is a SUPERNATURAL work of the Spirit.Practical methods for “Renewing Your Mind”HEARING God's Word -Rom. 10:17Use your TIME wisely. Be in the Word.READ God's Word -Rev. 1:3STUDY God's Word -2 Tim. 2:15MEMORIZE God's Word -Psa. 119:9,11MEDITATE on God's Word -Jos. 1:8A tool for transformation: The “2PROAPT” MethodBroadcast ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional ResourcesBecome a Monthly PartnerTrue Spirituality BookTake the Real You Assessment FreeWhat Every New Believer Needs to KnowConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Do you want to get God's best but don't know how? Chip unpacks how you can get God's very best for your life.Negative Command: “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world…”Passive voiceImperativePresent tenseTranslation: Stop allowing yourselves to be molded by the influences and pressures of this present world system.Application: We are to be SEPARATE from the world's values. -1 Jn. 2:15-17Summary: The world's system seeks to SEDUCE us from our love for Christ by PLEASURE, POSSESSIONS, and POSITION.Positive Command: “…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”Passive voiceImperativePresent tenseTranslation: But allow God to completely change your inward thinking and outward behavior by cooperating wholeheartedly moment-by-moment with the Spirit's renewing process.Application: Are you shaped more by the WORLD or the WORD? -Mat. 4:4; 2 Cor. 3:18The means of transformation: “…by the renewing of your mind.”Renewing your mind is a continual REFOCUS of a Romans 12:1 perspective.Renewing your mind will always involve a BATTLE.Renewing your mind is a SUPERNATURAL work of the Spirit.Practical methods for “Renewing Your Mind”HEARING God's Word -Rom. 10:17Use your TIME wisely. Be in the Word.READ God's Word -Rev. 1:3STUDY God's Word -2 Tim. 2:15MEMORIZE God's Word -Psa. 119:9,11MEDITATE on God's Word -Jos. 1:8A tool for transformation: The “2PROAPT” MethodBroadcast ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional ResourcesBecome a Monthly PartnerTrue Spirituality BookTake the Real You Assessment FreeWhat Every New Believer Needs to KnowConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Korean craft has long been overlooked. We speak to author Hyo Jung Lee about her book exploring the full scope of the country’s design practice. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton discuss the design landscapes of Cape Town and Marrakesh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week: What Do You Really Want?Most of us don't struggle with having too little. We struggle with having too much to let go of. Possessions. Security. Plans. Control. In one unforgettable conversation, Jesus challenges a man who thought he had everything; only to reveal the one thing he lacked.Sermon Series: Mark This DownAs we approach our church's final chapter, we are returning to what matters most. Over the next 16 weeks, we will walk through the Gospel of Mark, one chapter at a time, listening again to the story of Jesus. In a season of endings, we are choosing to anchor ourselves in the good news that first called us—and still sends us.Sermon preached by Dallas Flippin, on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Jackson, MI.Connect with FBC JXNLearn more about FBCJXN at https://fbcjxn.org.Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/fbcjxn.Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/fbcjxn.Want to connect more with us, fill out our virtual connect card at https://www.fbcjxn.org/connect/How can we pray for you? Let us know at https://www.fbcjxn.org/prayer/

Date: SUN 7:00pm 8th March 2026Preacher: Rev. David McLaughlinBible Reference: Luke 12:20-21https://carrydufffpc.org/the-passing-on-of-your-possessions/

Recapping and reliving this past Athletes Unlimited season, and playing a game where each of them picks a team that could make a run in the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC Conference Tournaments. All of that and more with Cindy Brunson and Brian “BMac” Mackay.HerHoopStats.com: Unlocking better insight about the women's game.The Her Hoop Stats Newsletter: https://herhoopstats.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe has concluded its sixth week. Today in court the jury was shown a transcript of anonymous phone call involving man selling schoolboy's possessions. On Wednesday, Sergeant Hutchings, a leading officer in the search for Noah, faced questions over whether police actions had delayed the identification of the culvert where the teenager was found. Hutchings said He “would've done anything" to find the teenager alive. Olivia Peden is joined by Liam Tunney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Our shout-out today goes to Elijah Kovar from Independence, MN. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. We cannot do this without donors like you. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 7:25-31. Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that. This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. — 1 Corinthians 7:25-31 Paul does not tell believers to abandon life or withdraw from the world. Instead, he urges them not to build their lives as if this world were permanent. This scripture is not meant to create panic or anxiety, but to cultivate preparedness—a steady, eternal perspective that reshapes how we hold everything we have. As Paul considers a list of items—marriage, grief, joy, possessions, and daily responsibilities—he offers a word that still unsettles us because it runs against our instincts. He calls believers to hold everything with open hands. The reason is simple and sobering: "Your time is very short." Paul is not predicting a date or stirring fear; he is shaping a posture. Time is limited, eternity is near, and that reality should change how tightly we cling to the things of this world. Marriage is good, but it is not ultimate. Grief is real, but it is not final. Joy is sweet, but it does not last forever. Possessions are useful, but they are not secure. None of these things are wrong; they are temporary and changing. Paul's call, then, is not withdrawal from life but readiness within it. Believers are invited to stay engaged without becoming entangled, to care deeply without clutching desperately, and to enjoy God's gifts without confusing them with God himself. This is what it means to live ready: to obey when God redirects, to suffer without losing hope, to rejoice without forgetting eternity, and to let go when the world begins to fade. Then Paul closes with authority: "For the present form of this world is passing away." Everything we see is temporary. Everything we hold will one day be released. Only what is rooted in Christ will remain. So do not anchor your identity in what is fading. Anchor it in the kingdom that cannot be shaken, and live today with eternity clearly in view. DO THIS: Identify one thing you're holding too tightly—status, comfort, possessions, plans—and intentionally loosen your grip by surrendering it to God today. ASK THIS: Where am I living as if this world is permanent? What earthly attachment most distracts me from eternal priorities? How would my daily choices change if I truly believed time is short? PRAY THIS: Father, help me live ready. Teach me to enjoy Your gifts without worshiping them, to grieve without despair, and to rejoice without forgetting eternity. Fix my heart on what lasts. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Build My Life"  

Materialism Can Faith and Possessions Coexist - Sunday Huddle

Stewardship of Money & Possessions: do you have a Money problem or a Master problem? Pastor Corey reads the Parable of the Rich Fool and points out that we aren't meant to be reservoirs with our money. We're meant to be rivers — ever flowing and connected to the main source, our Heavenly Father.

Money isn't the problem—the heart is. In this episode, Costi Hinn walks through what Scripture actually says about possessions, wealth, and when buying crosses the line into sin.

Author David Foster Wallace is credited with a story in a commencement speech, where he shares, "There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says 'Morning, boys. How's the water?' And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and says 'What the hell is water?'" We live in a culture where the expectation is to have absolutely everything.  And more. Obviously there is a material cost to everything. Money. And it takes time to make money. So we cost ourselves a lot of work to afford all the stuff. But regardless. Even if you win the lottery and can easily afford anything. Having stuff takes up our mental space, and I don't think we consider this. I sure didn't. I was just like the fish. Stuff? What stuff? I don't feel I bought things needlessly. Or for status. I had a big family. If we felt we needed something? Get it. Maybe get two. If someone might need it, let's have it on hand. This had its value. But my gosh. There is just stuff. Everywhere. I ultimately felt so tied down by it all. So, my guest is Joshua Becker, the founder and editor of Becoming Minimalist, a website dedicated to inspiring others to find more life by owning less. His websites welcome over 1M readers each month and have inspired millions around the world to consider the practical benefits of owning fewer possessions and given them the practical help to get started. He is an international speaker and the #1 Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of several books, the newest of which is, Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World. I am on a constant quest to…pair down. Yesterday, as of this recording, I accompanied two of my daughters in talking through everything in their rooms. Rooms I think most would feel were sparse. The result of questioning each item? Two trash bags and two boxes full of clothes and…stuff. And an entire big bag of trash. Feels like a breath of fresh air. Space to…contemplate. Create. Sign up for your $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to start your free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rich young ruler had everything our culture values - wealth, youth, and power - yet he walked away from Jesus sad and empty. When Jesus asked him to sell his possessions and follow Him, the man couldn't do it because his possessions had captured his heart. This story reveals that salvation isn't about keeping commandments or being good enough; it's about recognizing we cannot save ourselves. Jesus wants our hearts more than our obedience, and He calls us to examine what we love more than Him. The question isn't whether we have much or little, but whether our treasure is in heaven or on earth.

This week we will look at how our love cannot be split between God and money. Women's ministry leader Amber Curry brings an insightful message on loving God above all else, and serving him as our one and only master. Life Group Questions: 1) What spoke to you most from this week's message? 2) Jesus says where our treasure is, our heart will be also. What do your spending habits, time, and attention reveal about what you truly treasure right now? 3) In practical, everyday life, what does it look like to serve God instead of mammon? Where do you feel the tension between trusting God and trusting money for security or significance?

What would you be willing to give up to prove how much you love and trust Godfrom Genesis 22: 2 + 12

In this episode, we explore a biblical worldview on money, possessions, and giving through Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. With everyday examples, Pastor Greg Laurie challenges our obsession with “stuff” and reminds us that life is not measured by what we own, but by our relationship with God. Learn why we should see ourselves as stewards—not owners—and how that impacts the way we live. — 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.

In this episode, we explore a biblical worldview on money, possessions, and giving through Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. With everyday examples, Pastor Greg Laurie challenges our obsession with “stuff” and reminds us that life is not measured by what we own, but by our relationship with God. Learn why we should see ourselves as stewards—not owners—and how that impacts the way we live. — 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.

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0s6Oemriiw $27 a month, unlimited data, 100+ countries = pangia pass Use my link for 10% off: https://pangiapass.com/a/bold Find Me Here: https://linktr.ee/bold.perceptions Travel / Lifestyle Consultation, DM Me On Instagram: bold_perceptions Subscribe to win a free flight.... when I hit 5k subscribers I will buy a random person a one way flight to experience solo travel themselves. & I will help you plan the adventure. Topics: Most Countries Don't Worship Growth Many cultures optimize for stability, continuity, and time rather than constant expansion. Americans confuse getting bigger with getting better. The State Feels Abstract in the US. Personal Everywhere Else. In much of the world, systems run through human relationships, not anonymous portals. Who you know often matters more than what you click. Poverty Abroad Often Has Dignity. Poverty in the US Often Has Isolation. Being poor elsewhere often still includes family, community, and social life. In America, poverty frequently means being alone and invisible. Convenience Is Not a Universal Value Americans prioritize speed above almost everything. Many cultures willingly trade speed for quality, ritual, and human presence. Most People Don't Believe Their Country Is “The Best” They see their nation as a mix of strengths and weaknesses. Patriotism is quieter, less performative, and less myth-based. The Middle Class Is a Much Thinner Layer Most countries have a small elite, a huge working class, and a narrow middle. This reshapes expectations about mobility, ambition, and risk. People Abroad Often Measure Wealth in Time, Not Stuff Long meals, slow mornings, and flexible days signal success. Possessions matter less than usable life. Bureaucracy Is Sometimes a Feature, Not a Bug Slow systems create room for negotiation and human discretion. Extreme efficiency often leads to extreme control. Many Countries Expect the State to Fail People rely on family, informal work, and parallel systems. Americans expect institutions to function and feel betrayed when they don't. The American Personality Is Loud Globally Directness and self-promotion feel normal in the US. Elsewhere they often read as aggressive or insecure. #travel #travelblogger #usa #america #podcast

The conversation explores the spiritual emptiness that accompanies the pursuit of worldly success and the revelation of God's perfect will as the path to fulfillment. It delves into the deceitfulness of riches, the temptation and consequences of worldly desires, and the shift to God's ways and righteousness. The passing nature of worldly things, the destructive influence of worldly pursuits, and the impact of greed and covetousness are also discussed. Additionally, the conversation addresses the choke point of riches and possessions, the shift to God's kingdom and righteousness, the challenge of riches and eternal life, and the renunciation of worldly spirits.Takeaways* Chasing worldly success can lead to spiritual emptiness* Seeking God's will brings fulfillmentChapters* 00:00 The Empty Pursuit of Worldly Success* 05:49 The Deceitfulness of Riches and Lust* 12:06 The Shift to God's Ways and Righteousness* 17:58 The Destructive Influence of Worldly Pursuits* 24:13 The Choke Point of Riches and Possessions* 29:59 The Challenge of Riches and Eternal LifeJoin Apostle Milton Jones on the IGNITE2LIFE AUDIO PODCAST every Saturday at 6:00 PM for a dose of christian motivation. This podcast is designed to equip and inspire listeners, helping them cultivate a positive mindset for daily motivation. Tune in for success motivation and practical insights to enhance your spiritual journey.

Most men don't realize how much of their anxiety, distraction, and frustration is tied to what they own—and what owns them. We live in a culture that constantly tells us to want more, buy more, and accumulate more, yet peace, clarity, and contentment feel further away than ever. Today's conversation is about pushing back against that noise and asking a harder, more honest question: When is enough, enough? My guest is Joshua Becker, author of Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World. Joshua challenges the idea that minimalism is lifeless or empty and reframes it as an intentional act of stewardship, generosity, and purpose. We talk about consumerism, greed, anxiety, and the hidden cost of everything we own—and how living with less can actually free us to love people more deeply, live with greater clarity, and invest in what truly matters. This is a conversation about discipline, contentment, and creating a life that serves your mission—not your possessions. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Why Consumerism Fuels Misery 02:15 - The Inner Motivations Behind Overconsumption 04:49 - Selling With Integrity vs Manufacturing Need 07:10 - How Algorithms Shape Desire 11:44 - Purpose as the Filter for Consumption 14:42 - When Possessions Become a Burden 18:16 - Experimenting With Owning Less 21:13 - Reducing Phone Dependency 24:13 - The "Any Benefit" Mentality 28:01 - Wealth, Anxiety, and Possessions 32:20 - Wanting Less vs Earning More 34:06 - Money as a Magnifier 38:51 - What You Own Ends Up Owning You 44:17 - When Is Enough, Enough? 47:44 - Discovering You Have Enough Through Giving 51:59 - Generosity and Abundance 55:20 - Stewardship as the Antidote to Comparison 58:10 - Uncluttered Faith and the Hope Effect Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready  

January 25, 2026 Battles Within: Money & Possessions Luke 12:13-21 Pastor Jim Rutherford

Series : Announcement and Authority

Proverbs 3:9-12 January 14, 2026 PM.Pastor Jansen shares with us two key thoughts in this message: wise people honor God with their possessions, and wise people humbly accept God's discipline.

Idea: To convince people (for the sake of the economy) to have their prized possessions put in their coffins with them when they die so they have those possessions in the afterlife (like the ancient Egyptians). Also: avoiding embarrassing items because other people can see them in your open coffin funeral; bringing your live pets or other people with you to the afterlife; boobytrapping your coffin so other people can't steal your stuff or eat/destroy your mummified body; burying collectibles (Pokemon cards, sports memorabilia, Labubus) and denying them from your children in your will; filming a ghost hunting reality show where the fake ghosts carry around the possessions they were buried with Ken Carlson (facebook.com/KenCarlsonCT) Justin Chupp (facebook.com/justin.chupp.346521 instagram.com/straightwhitemayo facebook.com/spicystandup) Kevin Kelling (facebook.com/kevin.kelling.52 instagram.com/kevin.kelling.52 instagram.com/comedy.at.boldgr) Tom Walma (https://creativitywasted.com/creativitywasted x.com/thomaswalma twitch.tv/gameymcfitness) This podcast is part of Planet Ant Podcasts (https://planetant.com) This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Passage OutlineTasting Bitter Waters (Exodus 15:22–27)Manna and Quail in the Wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16:1–36)"As at Meribah, as on the Day at Massah" (Exodus 17:1–7)Sermon QuestionsReread Exodus 16:13–18.The omer is a unit of measurement describing what is sufficient for each person — in effect, a cap on what the Israelites are to gather. In modern terms, we call this a "lifestyle cap." (Recall Sam's story about John Wesley and the chambermaid.) Have you ever set a lifestyle cap?Reread Exodus 16:19–21. Moses forbids the Israelites to hoard the manna. In modern terms, hoarding is using our resources to untether ourselves from relationships. What opportunities is God giving you to use your resources to lean into relationships?Reread Exodus 16:22–30.Do you practice a Sabbath — a "day of ceasing"? What's getting in the way?Reread Exodus 16:31–35God commanded Israel to commemorate His provision by reserving manna, doubtless in part to steady their confidence in God's provision over their desert sojourn. Are you confident that God is your provider? If not, how have you commemorated His provision? Where are you "looking" to steady your confidence in your Lord and Master?Resources ConsultedChristopher Wordsworth, Notes on Genesis and Exodus (Oxford, 1875)Leon Kass, Founding God's Nation: Reading Exodus (Yale, 2021)Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Wheaton: Tyndale House, 2003)For further resourcesExplore Randy Alcorn's ministry, Eternal Perspective Ministries.Register for The Ridley Institute's Spring 2026 course, "Practicing Simplicity in the Way of Jesus."Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ().

ESPN's Kalyn Kahler talks about her reporting from sources around the league on how the Bears decision to go for it on 4th down was calculated.

As we read through Exodus 33, listen as Pastor Matt goes into the very struggle most of us face, overlooking the Blesser and focusing on the blessing.

Welcome Graham fam! We are so glad you could watch Sunday morning online with us. IntroductionLast week we learned that we are vessels meant to be filled by God, the only one who can truly satisfy. Rejecting His filling leaves room for other things. Today, we explore “Unexpected Possessions,” uncovering how evil can hide in unexpected places and people, and the importance of guarding our hearts against it. Scripture Mark 1:21-25 1 John 4:1 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 Luke 4:18-19 1 John 3:7-8 James 2:19 1 John 4:17-18 Sermon Points Who? What, when, where? Why? ClosingDo not be deceived; the absence of God’s presence grants evil the freedom to reign. True peace and confidence come from fully surrendering to the Lord. Perfect love casts out fear, ensuring we can face Him with confidence. Watch past services: https://www.gcwesleyan.org/teaching/ Subscribe to Graham Chapel Youth: https://is.gd/grahamyouth Give to Graham Chapel: https://www.gcwesleyan.org/give/ Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church is in Mayo, SC near Cowpens and Chesnee in Spartanburg County. We'd love to have you join us in person on Sundays or Wednesdays for youth! Visit our website to learn more.

Visit https://teachhoops.com/  for ball-handling progression drills, decision-making frameworks, and offensive systems designed to emphasize smart possessions, efficient ball movement, and the discipline required to value every possession like it matters. In this episode, we tackle two interconnected problems that plague countless high school basketball teams and directly sabotage offensive efficiency: players who over-dribble instead of passing to open teammates, and careless turnovers that waste possessions through poor decisions, loose handles, or lack of awareness under pressure. These aren't just minor annoyances—they're fundamental flaws that prevent talented teams from reaching their potential and turn close games into frustrating losses where you dominated statistically but still lost because you gave the ball away 20+ times. We explore the root causes behind over-dribbling: players conditioned by AAU basketball and highlight culture to hunt individual scoring, lack of trust in teammates' ability to finish plays, poor court vision that prevents seeing open players, fundamental ball-handling weaknesses that force players into trouble, and offensive systems that lack structure or spacing so dribbling becomes the default action. You'll learn diagnostic strategies for identifying whether over-dribbling stems from selfish tendencies, skill deficiencies, or system problems—each requires different solutions. We discuss the mental shift required to value assists as much as buckets, teaching players to recognize when the pass creates better opportunities than continued dribbling, and installing offensive principles (swing-swing-attack, two-dribble maximum rules, drive-and-kick concepts) that systematically reduce unnecessary dribbling. This episode provides detailed frameworks for reducing turnovers across different categories: live-ball turnovers from over-dribbling and poor handle (addressed through ball-handling skill work and decision-making drills with pressure), passing turnovers from telegraphing or poor timing (fixed through passing progression drills and reading help defenders), and mental turnovers from low basketball IQ (improved through film study, situation work, and accountability systems). We share specific drills that create consequences for turnovers—possession-based scrimmages where turnovers result in immediate substitutions, offensive efficiency scoring systems that penalize possessions ending in turnovers, and competitive scenarios where protecting the ball matters more than scoring volume. Whether you're coaching talented players with bad habits, young athletes who lack fundamental skills, or experienced teams that simply need better discipline and decision-making, you'll gain comprehensive strategies to transform your team from turnover-prone to possession-efficient, unlocking offensive potential that's been sabotaged by preventable mistakes. over-dribbling basketball, reducing turnovers basketball, basketball ball security, careless turnovers basketball, basketball possession efficiency, over-dribbling solutions, turnover reduction basketball, basketball decision making, ball handling drills, basketball passing emphasis, reducing ball turnovers, basketball offensive discipline, turnover prevention basketball, basketball ball control, smart possession basketball, basketball assist culture, over-dribbling coaching, basketball turnover drills, possession value basketball, basketball court vision, turnover accountability basketball, ball movement basketball, basketball dribble discipline, offensive efficiency turnovers, basketball passing culture, protecting basketball possession, basketball IQ turnovers, decision-making drills basketball, Wisconsin basketball turnovers, high school turnover problems SEO Keywords: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As 2025 comes to a close we decide to take a trip down memory lane and we bring some of our most prized possessions....BECOME A PATREON DRAFT PICK! : patreon.com/NoRegularsSeat Geek:USE CODE: NOREGULARS to get $20 off your first purchase over $50!https://seatgeek.com/Prize Picks:CODE NOREGULARS to receive a 100% deposit match up to $100 on PrizePicks at signup. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/ivHR/NOREGULARSFollow Our Main Socials!Darris WatkinsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/__dlw.21/Korey PettieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/koreypettie/

reference: Sri Aurobindo, Bases of Yoga, Chapter 4, Desire — Food — Sex, pg. 64This episode is also available as a blog post at https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com/2025/12/24/dealing-with-material-possessions-in-the-spiritual-practice/Video presentations, interviews and podcast episodes are allavailable on the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@santoshkrinsky871More information about Sri Aurobindo can be found at www.aurobindo.net  The US editions and links to e-book editions of SriAurobindo's writings can be found at Lotus Press www.lotuspress.com#Sri Aurobindo #yoga #integral yoga #spirituality #sadhana #asceticism #materialism

We live in a world overflowing with stuff—and messages about stuff. Everywhere we turn, someone promises that the next purchase, upgrade, or financial milestone will finally bring joy or peace. But Scripture offers a far better—and far more freeing—vision for how believers relate to money and possessions.The Bible doesn't ignore material things. It puts them in their proper place.When Good Things Promise Too MuchWe've all heard the phrase money can't buy happiness, yet it's still easy to live as though it might. When life feels overwhelming, we often reach for the nearest distraction—a purchase, an upgrade, or a new financial goal—hoping it will calm our anxiety or restore a sense of control.But Scripture never teaches that possessions themselves are bad. In fact, Paul writes, “God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17). Ecclesiastes adds that when God gives someone wealth, possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, “this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19).Enjoying God's good gifts is not unspiritual. Beauty, comfort, and experiences can all be received with gratitude.The problem isn't having things—it's the place things occupy in our hearts. Materialism doesn't begin when we own possessions, but when possessions begin to own us.At its core, materialism is the belief that created things can provide what only the Creator can give: meaning, identity, security, and purpose. Jesus understood this deeply. That's why He spoke so often about money—not because He was worried about finances, but because He cared about our hearts. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).Things were never designed to satisfy the human soul. When they become our deepest treasure, our hearts remain restless.Enjoyment Versus DependenceSo how do we enjoy God's gifts without becoming dependent on them?The difference is subtle but crucial.Enjoyment says, “Father, thank You for this gift.”Dependence says, “If I lose this, I'll lose myself.”Enjoyment frees us. Dependence enslaves us.That's why gratitude is so powerful. Gratitude reminds us that every good thing flows from the hand of a loving God. When we see possessions as gifts, we stop expecting them to carry weight they were never meant to bear.Generosity is another powerful antidote to materialism. When you give, you declare that your hope is not found in accumulation. You remember that God owns it all—and that your joy is rooted in Him, not in what you hold.And here's an important nuance: rejecting materialism does not mean rejecting material things. Scripture never calls believers to asceticism or joyless living. Instead, it warns us against the illusion that anything—even abundance—can become enough apart from God.Ecclesiastes holds both truths together: God gives possessions and the ability to enjoy them—that's grace. Yet whoever loves money never has enough. Feeding the craving for more never satisfies it.Three Questions That Keep Things in Their PlaceIf you want to guard your heart, here are three simple questions worth asking regularly:Do I enjoy this gift with gratitude, or do I feel anxious without it?Does this possession help me love God and others—or distract me from them?Am I more excited about having this thing, or about how God may want me to use it?When things stay in their proper place, they become blessings instead of burdens. They point us to the God who provides rather than pulling us away from Him.And here's the irony: the less we depend on things for happiness, the more freely we can actually enjoy them.Rooting Joy in the Giver, Not the GiftGod created a world rich with color, beauty, taste, and texture. He's given each of us resources and opportunities to steward and enjoy. But things are not ultimate. They are not our source of life. They are not our Savior. Only God is.When our joy is rooted in the Giver rather than the gift, we discover the contentment our hearts were made for.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm looking for wisdom on when—or if—I should give my kids a car. I have three children, ages 16, 18, and 20. Because we live about 30 miles from school, we've always provided vehicles so they can get to activities. Is there a point where it makes sense to give them the car outright to help them grow in responsibility? Or is it better to require shared responsibility instead of a full gift?Several years ago, I had about $17,000 in credit card debt and enrolled in a debt management program through Trinity Debt Management. I've since paid it down to around $6,000–$7,000. I've heard about the debt management program you recommend, and I was wondering if it makes sense to switch if the interest rate is lower. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to changing programs at this stage?My wife and I have been married nearly 42 years, and generosity has always been part of our walk—we've consistently tithed. We're now beginning to receive inheritances from our parents and are thinking through how to handle giving in this situation. Do we tithe on an inheritance? How should we think about generosity with gifts like money or even something like a car?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Credit CounselorsWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We live in a world overflowing with stuff—and messages about stuff. Everywhere we look, someone promises that the next purchase or financial milestone will finally bring joy. Conversely, in Scripture, we find a far better—and far more freeing—vision for how believers relate to money and possessions. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West discusses materialism and putting things in their proper place. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith and Finance Live—biblical wisdom for your financial journey. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions about whether references to demon possessions and exorcisms in the New Testament are literal, how to talk to young children about ghosts, and whether it's arrogant to think Satan knows your name when he's a single entity with bigger fish to fry.   Are references to demon possessions and exorcisms in the New Testament literal, or are they cultural references to physical or psychological conditions that they didn't understand? How do you talk to young children about ghosts? It's tempting to say they aren't real, but I don't want to deny the reality of “spiritual forces of evil” (Eph. 6:12). Is it misguided or arrogant to think Satan even knows my name when he's a single entity with bigger fish to fry than me and can only be in one place at a time?

Today is day 337 and we are studying The Eighth Commandment. 337. As God's steward, how are you commanded to use your possessions? As I am able, I should earn my own living, care for my dependents, and give to the poor. I should use all my possessions to the glory of God and the good of creation. (Deuteronomy 15:11; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 30:8–9; Isaiah 58:6–7; Matthew 25:14–30; Luke 14:13; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–12; 1 Timothy 6:17–19) We will conclude today by praying The Sadhe Stanza of Psalm 119 which is verses 137-144 found on page 437 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 336 and we are studying The Eighth Commandment.336. How does this commandment teach you to view your possessions?God desires that I be content, responsible, and generous with what he has given me. Everything I own I hold in trust as God's steward, to cultivate and use for his glory and my neighbor's good. (Genesis 1:28–31; Leviticus 25; Psalm 37:16; Proverbs 16:8; Luke 12:32–34; 1 Timothy 6:6–10; Hebrews 13:5; Articles of Religion, 38)We will conclude today by praying Proper 7 found on page 617 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.

The holidays are meant to be a season of joy, generosity, and gratitude. Yet for many families, the celebrations come with a heavy dose of financial stress—stress that lingers long after the decorations are packed away. Our desire to bless others often leads to spending more than we planned. But it doesn't have to be that way.Recently, we sat down with Neile Simon, Certified Credit Counselor and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christian Credit Counselors, to talk about how families can give meaningfully, stay within their means, and refocus on what Christmas is truly about.Creating a Realistic Holiday PlanMost people enter the holiday season with the best of intentions. We want to show love, bless others, and create special memories. But somewhere along the way, those intentions can derail.Neile explains that a mix of cultural pressures makes overspending almost effortless: holiday sales, credit card offers at checkout, “buy now, pay later” deals, and social media's endless highlight reels. Before long, the drive to be generous morphs into the belief that we must spend more to prove how much we care.And the consequences last far beyond December—financial stress, increased debt, and a January filled with regret rather than joy. The good news: overspending isn't inevitable. Neile suggests starting early and planning intentionally.1. Decide what you can truly afford. Account for all holiday expenses—gifts, food, travel, entertainment, and even small traditions that add up.2. Set a total spending limit. Let this number guide every decision throughout the season.3. Use cash or debit when possible. “When the money's gone, you're done—and that's okay,” Neile says. This simple boundary protects you from impulse spending.4. If using credit cards, treat them as tools—not the enemy. Used wisely, they can help you track your spending. The key is to stay disciplined and avoid taking on debt you can't comfortably repay.Ultimately, a budget is not a restriction—it's a path to freedom. It helps you enjoy the season without dreading the bill that arrives in January.Meaningful Giving Without OverspendingGenerosity isn't measured by price tags. In fact, the most meaningful gifts are often the simplest.Neile encourages families to focus on personal, relational giving:Handwritten notesHomemade treatsShared experiencesThoughtful, small gifts with clear intentionHer own family keeps gift-giving fun by setting spending limits and doing a white-elephant exchange. “It takes the pressure off,” she says, “and turns gift-giving into shared laughter and memory-making.”When togetherness becomes the priority over possessions, Christmas becomes both more joyful and more affordable.If You're Already in Debt, There's HopeFor families already carrying debt, Christmas can feel like a tug-of-war between generosity and financial reality. Neile offers this encouragement: give within your means—even if it means scaling back.Why? Because responsible giving protects your finances, your peace, and your future.“Think of it this way,” Neile says. “A relaxed, stress-free January is far better than stressing out after overspending in December.”Scaling back isn't failure—it's stewardship. And it models wisdom and faithfulness for your children.Refocusing on the True Meaning of ChristmasAmid the lights, the gifts, and the traditions, it's easy to lose sight of the heart of Christmas.“Christmas is a celebration of Jesus—the greatest gift ever given,” Neile reminds us. When our hearts are centered on Him, love and grace become the focus. Giving within our means allows us to celebrate joyfully, gratefully, and peacefully.And when we spend with purpose—anchored in Christ rather than consumerism—we experience a kind of joy that lasts long after the season ends.Need Help With Debt?If financial stress is weighing you down, Christian Credit Counselors can help. As a nonprofit ministry, they specialize in debt management—not debt consolidation—working directly with your creditors to lower interest rates and help clear the path toward freedom.Learn more at: ChristianCreditCounselors.org/Faith. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm an 84-year-old retired veteran, and my wife is 81. We have a $375,000 mortgage on a $3.2–$3.4 million home, a $140,000 portfolio, a 529 with $55,000, about $100,000 in gold jewelry, $40,000 in Social Security benefits, and $15,000 in credit card debt. We're running out of money and need to tap our home equity. The VA offered a $400,000 loan, but would a HELOC or a reverse mortgage be better? Who can help us make the right decision?We're receiving a $60,000 inheritance and have $10,000 in credit card debt. Should we use some of the inheritance to pay it off, and what should we do with the rest? My husband is disabled, and we're in our 60s—so is investing any of it in the stock market wise? And should we tithe on the inheritance?I'm 65, still working full-time as a caregiver, and have about $900,000 in my 401(k). When should I start Social Security—now or when I retire in May 2026? And how do I know if I have enough saved for retirement, since I'm debt-free and have fairly basic expenses?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Credit CounselorsHome Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement by Harlan J. AccolaMovement MortgageWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Don’t retire. Redesign. Join our small group program beginning in January. Learn more. ___________________________ Will your retirement life look like the glossy images you see in the brochures? Wise up. There’s a real transition that happens when the paychecks stop and you move into your new life. But here’s the thing: it presents an opportunity for rewarding personal growth, or even transformation, that may not be apparent to you at first. Tom Marks spent decades defining himself by his profession and then faced such a transition when he stepped away. Tom shares his journey from being a high-pressure boss to finding his ‘path of happiness.’ We discuss the danger of the ‘hedonic treadmill,’ the specific mistakes to avoid in your transition to retirement, and why at this stage of life, we are all entitled to a ‘satchel of do-overs.’ Tom Marks joins us from Arizona. ________________________ Bio Tom Marks survived 48 years in the advertising business and has lived to write about it. He has won the American Advertising Awards more than sixty-five times for his writing, including TV commercials, print ads, and magazine and newspaper articles. He spent many years on the professional speakers circuit and apparently survived that, too. His thought leadership workshops for Fortune 500 companies, as well as for small and medium-sized businesses, have brought him national acclaim, and his love of the original thought leaders, Socrates, his star-student, Plato, and Plato’s ace student, Aristotle has made Tom a favorite among CEOs across the US who want to learn about corporate ethics and its origins. Tom’s new book is Coming of Age in Retirement: An Advertising Executive’s Story of Revelation and Enlightenment, also a national bestseller. Tom has won the Gold Medal for Best Nonfiction Book from the Nonfiction Writers Association, three International Impact Book Awards, the POTY Award, two Literary Titan Awards, the Reader Views Award, and two American Book Fest Awards. ___________________________ For More on Tom Marks Coming of Age in Retirement: An Advertising Executive’s Story of Revelation and Enlightenment The Peaceful Retiree ____________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You – Teresa Amabile The Good Life – Marc Schulz, PhD Make Your Next Years Your Best Years – Harry Agress, MD _____________________________ I'm Just Asking for a Friend Retirement brings so many tough questions. Share your question to be answered in an upcoming retirement podcast episode. Click here to leave a voice message or send me an email at joec@retirementwisdom.com _____________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You'll get smarter about the investment decisions you'll make about the most important asset you'll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren't quite done yet, discover what's next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn't just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master's degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He's the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. ______________________________ Wise Quotes On the Identity Crisis in Retirement “Who are we after we are once who we were? And so I had to let go of that stuff. I had to let go of working with these people… But I let go of the things I really like to do, which was write and direct TV commercials… But that was probably the hardest thing to let go. And I still find myself, Joe, thinking about that, those days.” On “The Do-Over” “We are entitled to the satchel of do-overs, but we are not entitled to a do-over of a do-over. We can make the mistake and we shouldn’t be hard on ourselves, but we’ve got to move past it.” On Miserable Retirees “I tried to understand why people would be so unhappy and actually miserable in retirement. And it wasn’t that they woke up on the wrong side of the bed. They woke up on the wrong side of life.” On the Danger of Possessions “Most of that stuff are possessions. But, you know, they accumulate and they just become baggage. And there is so much research that tells us that as much as we chase this stuff, it doesn’t define happiness because the goalposts just move further and further away.”

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3812: Joshua Fields Millburn urges us to reclaim the true essence of the holidays by shifting our focus away from consumerism and toward connection, contribution, and presence. His five-step approach offers practical, heartfelt ways to simplify the season and deepen its meaning, making room for more joy, gratitude, and togetherness. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.theminimalists.com/season/ Quotes to ponder: "The best present is presence." "Consumption is an unquenchable thirst." "Possessions can't make up for lost time." Episode references: Charity Water: https://www.charitywater.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 17th century France a group of nuns described some unsettling visitations at their convent, which developed into a story of possession, political intrigue, and a moment in time that was rife with social tensions. Research: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Wars of Religion". Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Mar. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/event/Wars-of-Religion “Hawthorn.” National Institute of Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/hawthorn Cameron, Teagan. “A Diabolical Martyrdom: Urbain Grandier, the Transgressive Outsider, and the Surrogate Victim in The Possession at Loudun.” Constellations. Vol. 13, no. 2. Aug. 2022, doi:10.29173/cons29475 deCerteau, Michel. “The Possession at Loudun.” University of Chicago Press. 2000. Dumas, Alexandre, Pere. “Urbain Grandier – 1634.” 1910. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2746/2746-h/2746-h.html Ferber, Sarah. “Demonic Possession and Exorcism in Early Modern France.” Routledge. 2013. Hunter, Mary Kate. “Loudun Possessions: Witchcraft Trials at The Jacob Burns Law Library.” Newsletter of the Legal History & Rare Books Special Interest Section of the American Association of Law Libraries. Volume 16 Number 3. Hallowe’en 2010. https://www.aallnet.org/lhrbsis/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/01/lhrb-16-3.pdf Huxley, Aldous. “The Devils of Loudun.” London. Chatto & Windus. 1952. Accessed online: https://ia601400.us.archive.org/3/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.469712/2015.469712.The-Devils_text.pdf Niau, Des and Edmund Goldsmith (tr.) “The history of the devils of Loudun; the alleged possession of the Ursuline nuns, and the trial and execution of Urbain Grandier, told by an eye-witness.” Edinburgh. Private Printing. 1887. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/historyofdevilso00desn/page/n31/mode/2up Sluhovsky, Moshe. “The Devil in the Convent.” The American Historical Review , Vol. 107, No. 5 (December 2002), pp. 1379-1411. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Historical Association. https://.www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/532851 Soth, Amelia. “A Mother Superior’s Demons.” JSTOR Daily. Oct. 31, 2024. https://daily.jstor.org/a-mother-superiors-demons/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fr. Mike reinforces Jesus' divinity as we read about how Jesus heals people physically, mentally, and spiritually and frees them from the enemy's kingdom of darkness. Fr. Mike also encourages us to not be afraid when we experience persecution and division for the sake of Christ, but to rather courageously carry the Cross. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.