Podcasts about preparing our hearts

In this stirring and deeply encouraging Advent message, Pastor Karl launches the new series The King Has Come with a powerful exploration of the first great gift Jesus brings: hope.Turning to Luke 2 and the quiet, largely forgotten figures of Simeon and Anna, Pastor Karl paints a vivid picture of two elderly saints who spent decades waiting in faithful obscurity—praying unanswered prayers, worshiping through silence, and serving without recognition. Yet the moment a 40-day-old baby was carried into the temple, their Spirit-illuminated eyes saw what the crowds missed: the long-promised Messiah, the Consolation of Israel, the Redemption of Jerusalem.Through their story, Pastor Karl reveals that biblical hope is not wishful thinking; it is the confident, unshakable expectation of future good rooted in the unchanging character and faithfulness of God. Hope grows in the hidden soil of daily faithfulness, thrives when God chooses to work in silence, and celebrates the tiny seed because it already trusts the coming harvest. Simeon and Anna never saw Jesus preach, heal, or rise from the dead—yet they held the infant King and departed in peace, because they knew who He was long before they saw what He would do.A tender yet convicting word for everyone who has waited a long time and is still waiting, prayed a long time and is still praying, and hoped a long time and is still hoping. In a season that can feel rushed and noisy, this message calls us to slow down, stay faithful, and train our eyes to recognize the presence of the King—even when He shows up wrapped in the ordinary, the small, and the seemingly insignificant.Because the King has come, hope is not dead. It is alive, resilient, and bubbling up in every heart that keeps showing up and keeps looking for Jesus. Essential listening for anyone who needs fresh hope this Christmas.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas—it’s a season of spiritual preparation, reflection, and anticipation for the coming of Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 reminds us of the promise of a Savior, calling Him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. By intentionally preparing our hearts and homes, we can embrace the joy, hope, and light of Christ, creating meaningful family traditions that honor His arrival and cultivate a posture of worship. Highlights Advent is derived from the Latin word for “coming” and lasts four weeks, focusing on Christ’s first and second comings. Attend special Advent services to reflect, pray, and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Use an Advent calendar to daily engage with Scripture, small treats, or family moments that highlight Christ’s arrival. Light an Advent wreath weekly to symbolize expectation, reflection, and Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12). Create visual reminders like Advent chains or prepare a manger to help children and families anticipate Christ’s birth. Share the story of Jesus with others each week, following the example of the shepherds in Luke 2:17-18. Advent encourages both personal reflection and communal celebration, fostering gratitude, faith, and joyful expectation. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Preparing Our Hearts and Homes for Advent By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—Isaiah 9:6 Preparing a home for the arrival of a new baby is a busy time, full of choosing clothes, bedding, accessories, and more. It’s an exciting time of getting everything ready and waiting for the day to come. It’s a time when families and friends come together to help prepare and celebrate the coming birth. As well, during the Advent season, we can remember, prepare, and celebrate anew the coming of Jesus as a newborn baby into our world. Some Christians may ask, what is Advent? Even though I grew up as a pastor’s daughter, we didn’t really emphasize Advent; it was something celebrated in more liturgical churches like Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran, so we didn’t really learn or practice the observance growing up. The word Advent is derived from the Latin word “coming” and is a time of anticipation, prayer, spiritual reflection, and preparation for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. Advent traditionally starts four weeks before Christmas, beginning on the Sunday closest to November 30 and ending on Christmas Eve. Yet, it’s a beautiful time of preparation, lasting four weeks, leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ first coming at Christmas in the birth of our Messiah, and also the anticipation of His second coming and return to earth, yet to occur. 6 Meaningful Ways to Prepare for and Celebrate Advent The following are six traditional ways to prepare our hearts to celebrate Advent. Attend special Advent services. Some churches and denominations offer Advent services leading up to Christmas, where attendees join together to prepare their hearts for Christ’s birth with Scripture reading, an Advent message, songs, and prayers. Follow an Advent Calendar. Leading up to Christmas day, as a family, go through an Advent calendar, which offers 24 or 25 doors to open, each holding a small surprise, toy, candy, or Bible verse inside to help us focus on, prepare, and celebrate each day of Advent. Opening each door helps to teach us about Christ’s coming, along with creating warm family moments and memories to last for years to come. Light an Advent Wreath. An Advent wreath is traditionally made out of evergreens, but can come in various forms, such as wooden or plastic, holding four candles to represent the four weeks leading up to Advent, lighting one candle each Sunday. Traditionally, because purple represents royalty, the candles are usually three purple and one pink candle. Lighting the wreath offers a time for expectation and reflection, where we can look forward to Christ’s coming and rejoice because Jesus is the light of the world. As John 8:12 records, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” Create an Advent chain. As a visual countdown to Advent, young children may especially enjoy making an Advent chain, linking together colorful pieces of paper to represent each day leading up to Advent. Every day, remove a link until Christmas Day. Prepare a manger. Some families construct a small manger to represent preparing a place for the coming Christ, lining it each day with pieces of straw in preparation. As Luke 2:7 reminds us, “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Share Jesus. Each week of Advent, tell someone about celebrating it and what it means to all of us. Like the shepherds told others about Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:17-18, tell those we know about His coming. “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Intersecting Faith & Life: If you grew up Christian, but unaware of celebrating Advent, take some time to prayerfully consider if you and your family would like to participate this coming year in one or more of the traditions. Further Reading: 4 Advent Traditions to Carry on with Your Family Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

On this episode, David Wollen is joined by guests Dave and Sally Gobbett to explore how Messiah invites us to marvel at God’s promises and prepare our hearts for the coming King.

Preparing our Hearts for the Kingdom of God - Rev. Callum Macleod (Retired)Series: Guest Preacher Preacher: Rev Callum MacleodLord's Day MorningDate: 16th November 2025Passage: Luke 3:1-17

As Thanksgiving approaches, Robby and  Dwayne Carson explore how to intentionally prepare our hearts,not just our menusfor a day of true gratitude. From Scripture, personal traditions, and callers' stories, they dive into what it means to give thanks to God in every season.

We reflected on the importance of spiritual preparation, humility, and submission before God, emphasizing that true growth begins when excuses end. Through the story of Adam and Eve, we examined how blame and avoidance separate believers from God's presence, while Christ—the second Adam—restores access to divine fellowship. The discussion centered on the need for daily preparation, both at home and in heart, before gathering to hear the Word. We explored how regular attendance, unity in the body, and face-to-face fellowship cultivate humility, accountability, and spiritual maturity. Testimonies highlighted God's faithful protection and love, reminding us that spiritual freedom is found in submission, not independence.Themes:Preparation and prayer are essential before receiving the Word (Psalm 10:17; Luke 18:1)The first Adam brought excuses; the second Adam, Christ, brought restoration (Genesis 3; 1 Corinthians 15:45)Excuses hinder growth and intimacy with God (John 15:22)Spiritual maturity requires humility and accountability within the local assembly (Ephesians 4:11–16)Daily gathering for spiritual nourishment mirrors Israel's dependence on manna (Exodus 16:4–5)True submission begins with order and obedience in the home (1 Corinthians 11:3)God's presence exposes hidden areas to bring cleansing and renewal (Psalm 119:25; Genesis 3:8)Dependence on God over self-reliance leads to transformation and peace (2 Timothy 1:7)Face-to-face ministry brings depth, unity, and power that virtual connection cannot replace (Hebrews 10:25)God's protection and love remain steadfast through obedience and community prayerScripture References: Genesis 3; 1 Corinthians 15:45; John 15:22; Exodus 16:4–5; Psalm 119:25; 1 Corinthians 11:3; 2 Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 4:11–16; Hebrews 10:25; Luke 18:1Reflection Question: What excuses or distractions might be keeping me from full submission and preparation to receive God's Word and walk in His presence daily?

Preparing Our Hearts for Conference Weekend

By Brian Shaw - This message emphasizes that preparing for the Feast of Tabernacles involves more than travel plans and logistics—it requires preparing our hearts to fully rejoice before God. We are reminded that God commands us to appear before Him with gratitude and understanding, not “empty,” but filled with

Jesse Cope explores the importance of making God our top priority in times of uncertainty and discusses the challenges of authentic Christian discipleship in a changing world. The episode examines how to prepare our faith for difficult times while emphasizing scriptural wisdom on marriage, righteous living, and trusting God through persecution.• Making time for God daily as storm clouds gather on the horizon• Marriage wisdom from 1 Peter 3:1-7 on how husbands and wives should treat each other• Scripture from 2 Timothy describing moral decline in the "last days"• Following Christ genuinely will involve some form of suffering or persecution• The extraordinary Medal of Honor story of Vito R. Bertoldo's 48-hour stand against enemy forces• Reflections on Presidents Jefferson and Adams both dying on July 4th, 1826• The importance of turning back to God as our only true hope as individuals and as a nationIf you're looking for a family-friendly middle-grade fantasy book series similar to Narnia or The Hobbit, please check out Countryside and consider leaving a review if you enjoy it.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

By Andrew Lausted - As God's people enter the Fall Holy Day season, this message calls for both physical and spiritual preparation, reminding us that each festival pictures a step in God's redemptive plan. The Feast of Trumpets awakens us to spiritual vigilance—clearing distractions, renewing prayer, and living with

In this message, Freedom Forge Director John Yassu brings a stirring call to action, Preparing Our Hearts for Freedom Forge. John challenges us to trust God's transforming power, embrace the mission of Freedom Forge, and step forward in faith to see lives restored and chains broken.

God is at work in our Church! Join us for this special Vision Season Celebration, as we look at all the ways God's hand has been moving across our church. We're preparing our hearts and planting a seed of faith, as we look towards the next six months. Ask God today, what does He want to do IN and THROUGH YOU?

Given 27th April 2025

Today, we are slowing down to focus on what is most important — the cross and the empty tomb. As believers, Holy Week is not just a date on the calendar — it's the very center of our faith. So today, we want to journey together from Palm Sunday to Good Friday to Easter Sunday, reflecting deeply on what these days truly mean for us.

It’s Holy Week! So important for us to think deeply about the last week of our Lord’s earthly life and the hope it ushers in. Author and Moody professor, Dr. Bill Thrasher, joined the conversation to prepare our hearts for Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday! https://www.moodypublishers.com/authors/t/william-thrasher/ Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wkesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we approach Holy Week, we want to pause and reflect on two significant events—Passover and Palm Sunday—and how they connect in profound ways through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our purpose in this episode is simple: to help prepare our hearts to fully embrace and understand the depth of Holy Week, as we look at Jesus as both King and Lamb.

In Isaiah 40:3-5 we read the prophecy of John the Baptist who was sent as a voice in the wilderness to prepare the way for the coming Messiah.Pastor Brenden helps us to focus on the events leading to Easter as we prepare out hearts for this season.

Today’s Bible Verse: “On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” - Mark 14:12

Preparing Our Hearts and Minds for the Christmas SeasonAndy, a former Anaheim Police Officer, and Hedieh, a former Muslim and FBI contractor in counterterrorism who became a Christian, share their inspiring journey of faith on their website, ResurrectMinistry.com. Through the **Living Fearless Devotional** show, they offer an engaging blend of biblical teaching and personal anecdotes, drawing from their adventurous careers in law enforcement and their experiences raising six children in a blended Christian family. Andy, an international bestselling author of *Falco - Walking with God and a Dog*, and Hedieh, a regular columnist for the *Christian Post*, both provide valuable insights into the joys and challenges of living out their Christian faith in the modern world.www.RealLifeNetwork.comTry Streamyard for Free!www.GetStreamyardNow.comJoin us as a Founder or just a customer in the Life Wise Companywww.LiveLifeWise.tvGod Bless The USA Bible:https://youtu.be/tnupISwtEB0?si=1KAa5BSPkZf0msUS#America #USA #Jesus #God #DailyDevotional #Love #HolySprit #Christ #Christian #Life #GodSaves #GodsLove #Prayer #RealLife #JackHibbs #DontMockGod

Lent isn't just some tradition or something we check off a list — it's an opportunity to refocus on God and prepare our hearts for Easter. In this episode, I'm breaking down what Lent is, how different people observe it, and how we can intentional prepare our hearts leading up to Resurrection Sunday.

There are ways we can prepare our hearts better handle conflict, before a situation arises. We must work on creating a merciful heart that is prepared to forgive. We should view forgiveness not as something we may do if we feel it is fit, but something we must do. Our perfect God has unending mercy for us, so we should have unending mercy for others.

February 19, 2025 Wednesday night teaching by Rose Colón Website: www.lighthouseontherockky.org Facebook: https://facebook.com/lotrchurch

Check out RENEW.org Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/    Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/  Today's episode will help us grasp the profound significance of the New Heavens and the New Earth, offering hope and motivation through a detailed exploration of biblical teachings and personal reflections. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Exploring the New Heavens and the New Earth: A Deep Dive into Christian Eschatology This episode dives into the profound theological concept of the New Heavens and the New Earth, exploring its biblical foundations and its significance in Christian faith. The speaker passionately discusses how this doctrine is central to understanding the ultimate state of redeemed humanity and its implications for our lives today. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural analysis, viewers are encouraged to find hope and motivation to endure life's hardships. The discussion covers systematic theology, eschatology, and the intrinsic hope tied to the Christian belief in the restoration of all things. Viewers will gain insights into the vibrant, eternal future promised in the scriptures and how it shapes our present existence. Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Session Overview 00:55 Preparing Our Hearts for God's Word 01:50 Renew's Mission and Theological Foundation 02:50 Exploring the New Heavens and the New Earth 08:31 The Gospel Story and Human Questions 12:48 The Importance of Future Hope 20:53 Biblical References to the New Heavens and the New Earth 24:51 Jesus' Teachings on the New Heavens and the New Earth 30:39 Ancient Prophecies and Hebrew Worldview 32:18 The Day of the Lord: Judgment and Salvation 36:10 The Already-Not-Yet Tension 38:36 Utopian Imagery from Isaiah 39:25 Prayers for Grief and Hope 40:36 The New Heavens and the New Earth 52:07 Philosophical Reflections on Redemption 55:18 The Tree of Knowledge and Good and Evil 59:18 Concluding Thoughts and Doxology   Be sure to like, subscribe and follow on social media!  You can find us on: Instagram: @the.renew.network  Facebook: Renew.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RENEWnetwork Twitter: @therenewnetwork TikTok: the.renew.network  Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RENEW

Preparing Our Hearts to Bear Fruit for God | Women's Retreat 2025 | Stephanie Schwartz

Preparing Our Hearts A Sermon by Pastors Richard Sfameni, Lead Pastor of Victory Church in Providence, RI. Church wide fasting January 2025 Night 1 What is fasting? Covering your mouth. What does fasting do?  Drawing closer to God. Psalm 51:17  NKJV The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. Matthew 6:16-18  NKJV Fasting to Be Seen Only by God 16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.   For more information about Victory Church visit our website, www.victorychurchri.com or our Facebook page     

Join us this week as Paul Weisz helps us understand what it means to prepare our hearts for Advent! Watch or listen on our website, Youtube, or your favorite podcast app!

https://www.ronmoore.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/JRN2021-1217.mp3 Download It was a still, silent night when the light began to shine in one man's darkened heart. It was the night that gave him, and us, some of the most treasured words found in scripture. In this broadcast, Ron Moore takes you to a secret place, there to ponder those words and in them, to discover new dawn of true hope and change. Prepare to witness a brilliant light. .

Welcome Back to Living Hope Church! As we step into Christmas week, this sermon invites us to reflect on the state of our hearts during this meaningful yet often overwhelming season. Pastor Jessica Francavilla shares a message of hope, focusing on how God prepares our hearts for His love, healing, and restoration. From Scripture's insights about the heart to Mary's prophetic journey and the peace offered through Jesus, this message reminds us to guard our hearts, realign our desires with God's will, and embrace the ultimate gift of Christ. Join us in this powerful reflection as we prepare our hearts to fully encounter the true joy of Christmas.Welcome to Living Hope Church! These podcasts are our weekly Sunday sermons. We hope you enjoy them.

#10MinuteswithJesus ** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him. ** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end. ** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance. 10-Minute audio to help you pray. Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God. Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.

"Preparing Our Hearts for the Gift of Christ"This nugget invites us to prepare our hearts for the miracle of Christmas, embracing the transformative power of repentance and the gracious gift of Christ. As we do so, may our lives reflect His love to those around us, making this season truly meaningful.

As we enter the season of Advent and Christmas, we're bound to be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle. The list of dishes to prepare, gifts to buy and wrap, cards to send, and parties to attend feels never-ending… which often results in the real reason for the season getting pushed aside. But when we set time aside to properly prepare our hearts to honor the birth of Jesus, the experience of Christmas can take on a whole new meaning—becoming a season of hope, rest, and renewal.  For this special holiday bonus episode, we're joined by Lanier Ivester, a writer and homemaker who has taken time-honored holiday traditions and shaped and molded them to fit her family—keeping restful intentionality at the center of it all. Lanier shares how to let go of what doesn't serve your soul, how to embrace the imperfection that makes gathering with our communities more authentic and real, and how to find glimmers of joy when you're celebrating Christmas with a grieving heart.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas Jesus Calling for Christmas   Lanier Ivester's website Glad & Golden Hours by Lanier Ivester  Lanier Ivester's Facebook Lanier Ivester's Instagram Lanier Ivester's Twitter   Interview Quotes “We can burden ourselves even with wanting to bring intention into the holiday season. But the fact is that very turning of our hearts towards intention is itself intention. And that's honoring to God.” - Lanier Ivester  “In Christ, we can serve and prepare for the holidays and love our people and do all the things from a place of unconditional love. And that is a resting place. We don't have to do it all. We can step in, out of the wind of our culture, and just take refuge under His wings and really ask Him for wisdom.” - Lanier Ivester  “Scientists will tell you that taste and scent really create these pathways in our brain. They are what's known as memory bridges that can connect us to a place and a people and a time really effortlessly. And it's for that reason I've subconsciously carried forward a lot of my favorite meals and recipes from my childhood and brought them into my celebrations to this day with my husband and our friends.” - Lanier Ivester  “It's definitely a combination of anticipation and savoring. We need both, and there's so little room in our culture for either one of those.” - Lanier Ivester  “The reality is, many times the holiday season can be extremely difficult. Whatever we're walking through—whether it's grief, whether it's loss, whether it's deferred hopes or unanswered prayers, or things just not being the way that we want them to be—the holidays really amp that up, because it's easy for expectations of what a happy holiday is supposed to look like to slam up against our reality and make us feel a sense of lack in the light of what seems to be going on in the world around us.” - Lanier Ivester “Traditions serve our relationships. The traditions that we love are a container for our relationships—they were not the thing. The people are the thing, and the traditions hold the people.” - Lanier Ivester  “We serve a God who is in the details of our lives, and it's very easy to overlook that or think something is not large enough or important enough for His notice. But when we sit down with our plans for our holidays, our plans for our gatherings, and invite Him first before we invite anyone else into this space—asking Him to create a welcoming atmosphere—I think that that brings our holidays into a much more sacred space.” - Lanier Ivester “Advent makes space for our grief. It gives us freedom to name our sorrows, our longings, our yearnings to the One who will set them right, ultimately. But the flip side of that is if Advent makes space for our grief, Christmas makes space for our joy.” - Lanier Ivester ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We are delighted to journey with you this Advent season! Join us on a Quiet Adventure with Mother Mary. This week we are preparing our hearts through sacred emptiness. Follow along in your devotional or visit https://www.wearethelightproject.org/blog for more reflections and access to the incredibly beautiful artwork from Mr. Jerry Leleux. We pray your Advent season will be a blessed one. Thank you for joining us on this journey!Join us for a Morning of Reflection with Mrs. Robin Hebert!Dec 14, 2024, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PMSt. Mary's Church, Founders Hall, 419 Doucet Rd, Lafayette, LA 70503The welcoming spirit of the Visitation offers a fitting preparation to receive Mary more fully into our hearts. Get your tickets at https://www.wearethelightproject.org/events-1......

In this week's episode, we reflect on how to prepare for Advent. During this busy season, it is easy to spend more time preparing our home than our hearts and we chat about the need for slowing down, quieting our hearts and surroundings, and becoming attentive to God's presence in our daily lives. We also share practical ways we prepare and wait for the coming of our Lord at Christmas. Heather's One Thing - The songs Holy Forever (YouTube) and The Story I'll Tell (YouTube) Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Carmellite Sisters (View their upcoming events here) Michelle's One Thing -  The song You Know My Name by Tasha Cobbs and This “Full of Hope” Advent Mug from Blessed is She   Announcement: Our Advent study begins next week! Be sure to subscribe to our weekly email to receive each episode, discussion questions, and videos to your inbox.   Journal Questions: Ask the Holy Spirit: What do you want me to be present to this season? Where do I need hope in my life? Where do I lack peace in my life? Where do I need joy in my life? Where do I need to birth joy in my life?   Discussion Questions: What practices do you incorporate in Advent to embrace the season of preparation? When will you take time for prayer this week and throughout Advent? How can you better embrace Advent rather than just tolerate it? How can you slow the interior pace of your heart in Advent?   Quotes to Ponder: “The liturgy of Advent…helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an ‘advent,' a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life. Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.” (St. John Paul II)   Scripture for Lectio:  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13)   Sponsor - The Little Rose Shop: Discover the beauty of integrating faith into your everyday life with The Little Rose Shop. Our Morning Offering Prayer mug , is the perfect companion for your morning routine, allowing you to start each day with a heartfelt prayer, focusing your thoughts on Christ. Plus, explore our Quiet Books collection, including the Mass Quiet Book, Rosary Quiet Book, the Where is Jesus Quiet Book, and Wrapped in Mary's Mantle Quiet Book. These engaging books are designed for babies and toddlers, making it easy to introduce them to the wonders of faith in a quiet and interactive way—perfect for adoration or Mass. As a special treat for Abiding Together listeners, use promo code ABIDING15 for an exclusive 15% discount at checkout. Enrich your spiritual journey and bring the joy of faith into your home with The Little Rose Shop.   Timestamps: 00:00 - The Little Rose Shop 01:31 - Intro 02:24 - Welcome 04:44 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse 05:54 - Stillness 07:20 - Preparing Our Hearts 11:29 - Distractions 14:16 - Intentional and Incarnational 17:25 - Slowing Down 18:57 - Finishing Well 20:16 - Practical Ideas 25:59 - Announcement 27:36 - One Things  30:08 - Closing Prayer

Linda Damarjian • Selected Scriptures • Sojourners Women's Fellowship

This week, Pastor Curtis kicks off a new series, Kingdom Ballot. In this first part, Preparing Our Hearts, he explores the role of faith in politics, how deception has crept into both religion and governance, and the importance of seeking God's truth above all as we approach significant decisions.

Oct. 6, 2024  We freely sacrifice for what we love. David's final act as the king inspires us for our journey forward as a church. In this message you'll hear from Pastor Jared Johnson as he calls us to all do our part to prepare the way. In this message you will be: 1. Encouraged to see your giving as a joyous opportunity 2. Challenged to commit to your part in preparing the way Visit "Prepare the Way" today: https://newbreak.church/prepare-the-way/

In this episode, Matthew and Shepard Lilley discuss the biblical metaphors of sowing seeds and soil, exploring their significance in spiritual growth and personal development. They emphasize the importance of tending to the soil of our hearts to receive God's word effectively, drawing parallels between gardening practices and spiritual practices. The conversation delves into the types of soil mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 13, illustrating how different conditions affect the growth of faith and the challenges faced in life. The episode concludes with a call to prepare our hearts for the word of God and the ongoing journey of spiritual cultivation.Join Matthew and Shepard at the Back to Eden Christian Homesteading Festival in eastern North Carolina on October 24-26. Learn more here.

Discover the essence of true worship in this insightful message on worshiping in spirit and in truth. Learn how Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4:4-28 reveals that worship is not about location or rituals but about engaging with God genuinely. Explore the greatest commandment from Mark 12:30, which calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and understand how this commandment encompasses every aspect of our being. Find out how to prepare for worship by setting our hearts and minds on God, eliminating distractions, and approaching worship with clean hands and pure hearts as described in Psalm 24:3-4. Discover the power of corporate worship and the importance of community as shown in Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:24-25. Finally, learn how to live out worship daily by preparing for worship, eliminating distractions, engaging in community, and loving our neighbors. Keywords: true worship, worship in spirit and truth, Jesus and Samaritan woman, greatest commandment, love God, prepare for worship, corporate worship, community, daily worship.

Step into Holy Week with me, as we explore the pivotal moments of Holy Wednesday through the scripture of Luke 21 and 22. In today's episode, we read about Jesus's teachings, the growing tension with the Sanhedrin, and the preparation for the Passover. Engage with the text's deep truths and discover how Jesus's graceful responses to opposition can be a powerful guide for our own lives.As we walk through the scriptural narrative, we'll uncover the layers of meaning behind Jesus's actions and words, and consider how we too can ready our hearts for the celebration of Resurrection Sunday. Join our community of encouraging women in this intimate examination of faith, renewal, and anticipation. Let's prepare our spirits together, as the disciples did, for the profound remembrance of what is to come. Now get out into the world and be a woman who intentionally encourages another! #women #podcast

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about TTUN, elections, and one of the most important sports figures you've never heard of,  Curt Flood   0:00- intro 3:55- sports 13:48- election season 44:00- this day in sports 48:50- one thing 

Today we're wrapping up our three-part series, Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas, by looking at parallels between the circumstances of Jesus' birth and the ancient Jewish Passover tradition. Listen as Karen unpacks the significance that Jesus is the Lamb of God, and His life is the very best gift we can all receive this Christmas. Mentioned on today's show: Give to Birds on a Wire Moms to help us carry on our mission in 2024 Watch today's episode on YouTube Messianic Prophecies print out Scripture referenced: Exodus 12:3-27, John the Baptist declaring, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29)

Today we're talking about Christmas! Join us as we share how we're preparing our hearts and homes for this special time of year!  I'm a fan recommendations Jennifer's cookware here and here Mindy's movie Marie's smart plugs We'd love to hear from you! Find us here: Instagram: Midlife Matters Podcast Website: midlifematterspodcast.com Email: midlifematterspodcast@gmail.com  

We're back with the second episode in a three-part series leading up to Christmas. In the middle of this FULL season as moms, our hope is that these episodes allow you to take a moment for yourself and pause and reflect on the reason behind this season. Today we're focusing on the role Mary played in the story of Jesus' arrival. Karen points out that Mary's life was completely disrupted when she was chosen to give birth to the Messiah, but she chose to trust God despite the messiness of her situation. Join us as we meditate on the faithfulness of God, who walks with us through the challenges and the uncertainty of our own messy lives. Mentioned on today's show: birdsonawiremoms.com Give today to help us grow next year Watch today's episode on YouTube Messianic Prophecies print out Luke 1:26-56 Wire Talk is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Join us for the first installment of a special three-part series leading up to Christmas. We all know how crazy December can be with shopping, family gatherings, cooking, and so much more. It's easy for Christmas to become background noise. But in these next three weeks, let's take a moment to pause and reflect on the faithfulness of God.  Today, we'll dive into the topic of God's faithfulness by exploring Old Testament prophecies that found their fulfillment in the birth of Jesus. Karen shares parallels between a God who kept His promises in ancient times and the God who keeps his promises to us today. No matter what your personal circumstances look like this year, we hope you'll find peace as you reflect on God's faithfulness today, which anchors us even in the midst of chaos. Mentioned on today's show: Watch today's episode on YouTube! Chapter 3 of Science Speaks (regarding the probability of one man fulfilling all the OT prophecies about Christ)   Wire Talk is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org