Podcasts about presence of god

What happens when a poet and a theologian decide to write letters to each other about faith? In this episode, I sit down with Christian Wiman and Miroslav Volf to discuss their book Glimmerings and talk about the language we use for God and why it so often falls short, the tension between God's presence and absence, what the Book of Job has to say about suffering, and whether faith can survive, even deepen, without easy answers. It's a conversation about holding paradox, paying attention, and what it looks like to keep believing in the middle of real life.Miroslav Volf is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School and the founding director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture. His books include Exclusion & Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation, winner of the 2002 Grawemeyer Award in Religion. His Gifford Lectures (2025) are titled Amor Mundi: God and the Character of Our Relation to the World.Christian Wiman is the Clement-Muehl Professor of the Arts at Yale Divinity School. He is the author, editor, or translator of fifteen books, including Zero at the Bone: Fifty Entries Against Despair and Hammer Is the Prayer: Selected Poems. His work appears regularly in Harper's, The New Yorker, and Commonweal.Miroslav & Chris' Book:Glimmerings: Letters on Faith Between a Poet and a TheologianChris' Recommendations:The Banquet YearsMiroslav's Recommendation:The Cost of DiscipleshipConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowGet Your Sidekick Support the show

I know it sounds mean, but I pray that the Lord's HEAVY HAND of conviction would be upon you. When you need it, nothing could be more welcome.  Though it certainly is hard, it is much more desirable than the Lord's indifference. The wonderful forgiveness of the Lord accessed by the heavy hand of conviction.What does the presence of God feel like?It feels like the heavy hand of conviction upon me.  This is my prayer for you.Please share today with all the needful you might know, which is everybody.https://youtu.be/T5bfI-7KhUw

As someone who has always been “anti-rational,” Dr. Ora Wiskind finds a world of deeper connection in Jewish mysticism. In particular, she is drawn to the study of Hasidism as a pathway to integrating spirituality into daily life. Dr. Ora Wiskind holds a PhD in Hebrew Literature from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is the author of Hasidic Commentary on the Torah, Wisdom of the Heart: The Teachings of Rabbi Ya'akov of Izbica-Radzyn, and Tradition and Fantasy in the Tales of Reb Nahman of Bratslav. She is an associate professor and the head of the Graduate Program in Jewish Studies at Michlalah College, Jerusalem.Now, she joins us to answer eighteen questions with Rabbi Dr. Benji Levy on Jewish mysticism including the illusion of free will, embracing life's journey over understanding its purpose, and how transformation often emerges from brokenness. Here are our questions:What is Jewish mysticism?How were you introduced to Jewish mysticism?In an ideal world, would all Jews be mystics?What do you think of when you think of God?What is the purpose of the Jewish people?How does prayer work?What is the goal of Torah study?Does Jewish mysticism view men and women the same?Should Judaism be hard or easy?Why did God create the world? Can humans do something that is against God's will?What do you think of when you think about Moshiach?Is the State of Israel part of the final redemption?What is the greatest challenge facing the world today?How has modernity changed Jewish mysticism?What differentiates Jewish mysticism from the mysticism of other religions? Does one need to be religious to study Jewish mysticism?Can mysticism be dangerous?How has Jewish mysticism affected your relationships with yourself and with others?What is a Jewish teaching that you always take with you?

Mark Beswick - Closer: Passion for the Presence of God | Access All Areas - Coventry - Sunday 22 February 2026 by CLM Church

Experiencing the Presence of God

Today's speaker is Dr. Billy Marsh, Associate Professor of Theology, Director of MDiv Programs at Cedarville University. Dr. Marsh shows from Exodus 25-31 how the tabernacle represented the presence of God as both the goal, and the means, by which God's redemptive covenantal plan will be realized for all of creation.

Ken Boa - Life in the Presence of God by Bill and Sandi Griffin

On today’s episode of The Exodus Series on The Faith Explained, Cale answers the question of why God institutes two separate feasts: Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The answer? One concerns initial salvation, and the other concerns sanctification: holiness, becoming like God. “Be holy, as I am holy”, says the Lord in the Old Covenant. Jesus says, “Be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect” in the New.

The Israelites must slaughter and consume an unblemished lamb, foreshadowing the sacrifice of the sinless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. We are likewise commanded to consume his flesh and blood sacramentally in the Eucharist.

The sermon emphasizes that Christianity is marked by a small number of core practices, one of which is the call for all believers to sing as a regular and meaningful expression of faith. Drawing from Scripture, it explains that singing flows from gratitude, joy, and awareness of God's constant presence, serving as a powerful spiritual practice rather than a performance. Believers are encouraged to embrace singing in everyday life and within community, even when it feels countercultural, as a way to worship God and build one another up.

The death of the Egyptian firstborn at the stroke of midnight means the tide has turned, and the “gods” of Egypt are decimated. Yahweh has won, and the dawn of his salvation is close at hand.

The Dangers of Becoming Too Familiar with the Presence of God - Part 2   Familiarity doesn't always look like rebellion. Sometimes it looks like routine. Sometimes it looks like worship without awe.   In Part 2, we go deeper into how reverence is lost, how conviction becomes quiet, and why God's presence must never be treated as common.

“Lights Out!” The 9th plague (darkness) is a direct attack on Ra, the Egyptian “sun god”. Only the homes of God’s people have light. We, too, must shine like stars amidst the moral and spiritual darkness of the age, reflecting Christ, the Light of the World.

The Dangers of Becoming Too Familiar with the Presence of God - Part 1   God's presence is powerful — but never casual. When reverence fades, conviction dulls, and holy fire is taken lightly.   Join us for this sobering and timely message as we return to awe, holiness, and the fear of the Lord.

In this episode of Catechesis with Fr. Peter George Flynn, we journey into the timeless spiritual classic The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. Against the vibrant yet turbulent backdrop of 17th-century France—ruled by figures like Louis XIV and shaped by controversies such as Jansenism and Quietism—Fr. Peter explores how this humble […] L'articolo Catechesis – The Practice of The Presence of God – Fr Peter George Flynn proviene da Radio Maria.

God doesn’t send the plague of locusts just to “bug” the Egyptians. Moses is reminded to teach the next generations about Yahweh’s deeds of power. In the same way, we must pass on the Catholic faith to the next generation. But, how?

Just for the “hail” of it, Yahweh rains down hailstones on Egypt. He thus reveals himself as the mighty “Storm God” and announces his control over the land of Egypt. For the first time, people are killed by the plagues, but Pharaoh’s heart remains harder than the stones falling from the heavens.

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Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Yahweh reaches directly into Pharaoh’s heart to harden it… Is God taking away his free will? Plus: our Q&A segment addresses the difference between marriage annulments and priests leaving the priesthood.

"The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers' houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side." The twelve tribes are arranged in precise formation around the tabernacle, three on each side. Judah leads from the east, where the sun rises. In this chapter, we see that Israel's entire existence is oriented around the presence of God in their midst. The camp is not just military organization; it is a theological statement: the LORD is at the center of His people.  The Rev. Benjamin Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Condit, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 2.  To learn more about Hope Lutheran, visit hopelutheransunbury.org. The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway.  In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people.  These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

You haven't "arrived." You were made to learn. This message is a challenge to pride, a rebuke to spiritual boredom, and an invitation back into the presence of God. Pastor Josh McPherson unpacks why wisdom starts with fearing God, why obedience turns the volume up on God's voice, and why a church of learners becomes a church of leaders. The takeaway: stay in the tent—because what God is about to do will require what only God can give.Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

In this episode, Brock, Justan and Micah sit down for an open, unhurried conversation about pursuing the presence of God. Together, they explore what worship really looks like beyond music, how we experience God in everyday moments, and what it means to be aware of the Spirit at work in our lives. Rather than chasing quick answers, this conversation creates space for reflection, honesty, and discovery—inviting listeners to consider how God meets them uniquely, both inside and outside traditional worship settings.

This powerful message takes us on a journey through the Ark of the Covenant, revealing what happens when we approach God with enthusiasm but without reverence.We explore the tragic story of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6, who reached out to steady the ark and died instantly—not because God is capricious, but because the Israelites had abandoned God's clear instructions about how His presence should be honored. They borrowed a 'new cart' idea from the Philistines instead of following God's original design with consecrated Levites carrying the ark on poles. This raises an uncomfortable mirror to our own lives: How often do we borrow the world's ideas and present them to God as improvements on His Word? Whether it's our views on sexuality, relationships, language, or priorities, we can fall into the trap of casual Christianity—believing in God while not actually obeying what He says. The Ark's power wasn't meant to be punitive but purposeful; when Obed-Edom honored God's presence correctly, his entire household was blessed. The message calls us back to reverence, reminding us that before we can be leaders in God's kingdom, we must first be followers. It challenges us to take six deliberate steps in our walk with God: acknowledging He is God and we are not, following rather than leading Him, trusting His ways are higher, decreasing so He can increase, obeying rather than expecting Him to obey us, and keeping Him as our only God without idols. This isn't about fear that drives us away, but reverence that draws us into the fullness of His blessing.Website: https://impact.church Facebook: https://facebook.com/ImpactChurchHome Instagram: https://instagram.com/ImpactChurchHome YouTube: https://youtube.com/@impactchurchhome TikTok: https://tiktokcom/@impactchurchhome

Exodus 26

Pastor Jim unpacks Ephesians 2:11-22 to show how Jesus is not only our peace but the one who has destroyed every dividing wall. What once separated Jew and Gentile, near and far, is now reconciled through the cross. Jim reminds us that salvation is not just about forgiveness but about forming a new family, a new humanity, where God's Spirit dwells. The church is not a religious club or a place for behavior management. It is God's living temple on earth. In Christ, our identities are made secure, hostility is put to death, and unity is possible not through human effort but by the presence of God himself living among his people.

When the ground gives way and the headlines roar, most of us reach for control. We built this message around Psalm 46 to offer a better refuge: the living God who is “a very present help in trouble.” We start where the psalm starts, naming the chaos with honesty—mountains moving, waters foaming, nations raging—and then we trace the surprising turn to a quiet river that makes the city of God glad. That shift isn't poetic window dressing; it's a map for anxious souls learning to breathe again.We walk through the Scriptures that echo this pattern. At the Red Sea, God saves at daybreak while His people stand still. With Elisha, an unseen army fills the hills while fear shrinks the horizon. On the Sea of Galilee, Jesus silences a storm with three words and exposes the gap between our panic and His peace. These scenes aren't museum pieces; they are invitations to see scale rightly: God's voice outweighs the loudest crisis. That's why “Be still and know that I am God” is more than a coffee-mug comfort. It is a royal decree to warring nations and warring hearts, a call to yield to the true King who will be exalted in the earth.We also press the promise home. The reason the city stands isn't the river; it's the God in the midst. In Christ, the fortress is not a place we run to earn, but a refuge we receive by grace. Your life can be hidden with Him today—supplied by daily mercies, guarded by steadfast love, and steadied by a hope that looks past night toward morning. If you've been trying to outshout the storm, come hear why surrender is safer than self-salvation and how to practice God's presence when the world shakes. Listen, share with a friend who needs courage, and if this encouraged you, subscribe and leave a review so others can find their way to the fortress too.

The 10 plagues continue to pummel the Egyptians, but Pharaoh continues his two-faced, duplicitous ways. We also see how each plague is a direct attack by Yahweh on one of the so-called “gods” of Egypt.

What have been your most memorable experiences of worship? Today, Sinclair Ferguson describes the delight that binds all these experiences together: a realization of being brought into the awesome presence of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/bowed-down-in-the-presence-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Moses, unbelievably, gives Pharaoh the choice of when the plague of frogs will end. It’s up to him! We also have a choice to be for or against God. St. Augustine says, “The God who created you without you will not save you without you”.

Cale dips into the 10 plagues that God unleashes on the Egyptians. The first two have to do with water. Aaron’s staff turns into a great sea monster, and Moses commands that the Nile be turned into blood. What’s Pharaoh’s reaction? Find out in this episode of the Faith Explained.

In this episode of the Exodus series on The Faith Explained, God says to Moses: “In the past, I revealed myself as ‘God Almighty’ to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. ”But now, in revealing himself as the God who 'is' and 'will be', God reveals much more about himself—that he’s with us in the present moment, and in the challenges and experiences of everyday life.

God never delivers us from bondage, or leads us into wilderness, to leave us alone. Think about it: If you feel like God is not leading you right now, can you define how you would know when He does?

God picks Moses back up after he falls flat on his face with Pharaoh. Not only does Pharaoh not “let God’s people go”, things got even worse for the enslaved Israelites. Find out what God does in response, on this episode of The Faith Explained with Cale Clarke!

Book Three of Psalms mirrors the themes found in Leviticus, the third book of the Bible, which focuses on God's holiness and desire for His people to be set apart. In a similar way, Book Three of Psalms repeatedly emphasizes the theme of sanctuary, underscoring the importance of God's presence among His people as central to their identity and spiritual life.By taking a closer look at Psalm 73, we see how dwelling in the presence of God brings clarity to every other aspect of life. The psalmist shows us that time spent with God starves our bitterness, reshapes our perspective, and strengthens our hearts. Ultimately, our growing relationship with God and our understanding of His character should shape how we interpret our experiences, rather than allowing our experiences to define what we believe about Him.Scriptures: Psalm 73Leviticus 20:26Psalm 74:7Psalm 79:1Psalm 119:37

On this episode of the Exodus series on The Faith Explained, Moses begins his journey back to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. But on the way, God confronts Moses and tries to kill him! Why on earth would God do this? Ultimately, Moses is saved by the quick thinking and actions of his wife, Zipporah.

God calls Moses to go and speak to Pharaoh. Moses doesn't want to go, and asks God to send someone else. Sometimes we feel the same way, but there are people only we can reach and God will equip us like he equipped Moses.

What’s in a name? What’s in a divine name? There are numerous names for God in the Old Testament, including Yahweh, Jehovah, and the Lord. Where do these come from? It’s all connected to how God reveals Himself in chapter 3 of Genesis. Cale discusses this and more in this episode of the Exodus series on the Faith Explained.

When God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, we might ask who or what is this angel spoken of? Plus: God says He will send Moses to a land filled with milk and honey, but what kind of milk and honey? Cale discusses this and more on today’s Faith Explained.