Podcasts about Redemption

In this episode of JT's Mixtape, JT,  @TuneThyHeart  and  @demonerasers  discuss their recent adventures, including networking with notable figures and the spiritual implications of modern concerts. They delve into the disturbing imagery presented at a Zac Brown concert, emphasizing the need for discernment in media consumption. The conversation shifts to the influence of Kabbalah on music and the connection between drugs, spirituality, and artistic expression. The hosts conclude by reflecting on the underlying messages in popular culture and the importance of being aware of the spiritual implications of the media we consume. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the themes of music's influence on spirituality, the importance of discernment, the power of prayer, and the struggles faced by celebrities in the public eye. They emphasize the need for spiritual awareness and intercession for those who may be lost or struggling, while also discussing the significance of understanding biblical context and the dangers of misinterpretation. The conversation highlights the hope for redemption and the importance of standing in the gap for others.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jt-s-mix-tape--6579902/support.Please support our sponsor Modern Roots Life: https://modernrootslife.com/?bg_ref=rVWsBoOfcFJESUS SAID THERE WOULD BE HATERS Shirts: https://jtfollowsjc.com/product-category/mens-shirts/WOMEN'S SHIRTS: https://jtfollowsjc.com/product-category/womens-shirts/

The Trial of Transmutation, Part IIIt's sink or swim as the wizards must use their new skills cleverly — or drown. Rictus, Helgrammite, and Loraveth try to survive while still remembering their promises and alliances.Royale Theme: “Wizard Disco” by Louie Zong: https://louiezong.bandcamp.com/album/wizard-discoOriginal Music by Griffin McElroyAdditional Music in this Episode:"tribute to eddy" by Jean Toba: https://jeantoba.blogspot.com/; and “The Redemption in Her Amrs” by Schemawound: http://schemawound.com/.Harmony House: https://harmonyhousewv.com/

In the final episode of the RELEVANT Podcast Impact Conversations series, we sit down with two influential voices using their platforms to point toward something deeper.First, New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson shares how his faith was shaped long before the NFL spotlight. From a season-ending injury at Ohio State that led him to Jesus to helping spark faith gatherings across campus, Henderson talks about spiritual leadership, obedience over outcomes, and what it looks like to follow Christ inside high-pressure locker rooms. His story is also featured in the new docuseries Redemption, now streaming on Prime Video via The Wonder Project.Then, Lecrae, one of the most influential figures in Christian hip-hop, joins the conversation following the release of his 10th album, Reconstruction. He reflects on misunderstanding, therapy, deconstruction and why he believes Christian hip-hop is entering a new era without categories. Lecrae also opens up about legacy, leadership, and his role as a bridge between faith and culture.This episode is presented by World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian organization working to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice worldwide.Chapters:01:15 – Why TreVeyon Henderson uses his NFL platform for faith02:01 – Growing up with football as a lifeline04:24 – When faith became real during a season-ending injury06:40 – Sleep paralysis, spiritual warfare and healing through prayer08:28 – Faith leadership inside Ohio State football11:33 – Carrying faith into the NFL locker room12:58 – Spiritual disciplines and the “secret place”16:21 – Why faith is rising among professional athletes18:56 – Why Henderson highlighted persecuted Christians in Nigeria22:45 – Lecrae on why Reconstruction is different24:53 – Transparency vs vulnerability in creative work26:08 – Therapy, confidence and owning your voice29:25 – Why Lecrae chose the word “Reconstruction”30:46 – Leadership, loneliness and stewardship33:01 – The future of Christian hip-hop34:41 – Lecrae on legacy and being a bridge between faith and culture44:17 – How Reconstruction invites people back to faithAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's the end of the year and that means we get to rattle off all of our favorite whiskeys this year. But it's not just us, it's the entire roundtable. We don't talk about our "Bourbon of the Year" but we hit on all the great ones we tried and I don't want to spoil it, but there's a ton of good ones so pay attention. And can you believe it... Ryan actually put a honey finish and two american single malts in his list. At this rate, maybe he'll enjoy amburana in 2026. Show Notes: The standout quality of Bardstown Bourbon Company, particularly Cathedral and Normandy Ryan's insights on Redemption 18-Year and its market implications Exploration of craft distilleries pushing the envelope with innovative offerings Engaging conversations around honey-finished bourbons and the evolving perception of American single malts Predictions for trends shaping the whiskey market in the near future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the end of the year and that means we get to rattle off all of our favorite whiskeys this year. But it's not just us, it's the entire roundtable. We don't talk about our "Bourbon of the Year" but we hit on all the great ones we tried and I don't want to spoil it, but there's a ton of good ones so pay attention. And can you believe it... Ryan actually put a honey finish and two american single malts in his list. At this rate, maybe he'll enjoy amburana in 2026. Show Notes: The standout quality of Bardstown Bourbon Company, particularly Cathedral and Normandy Ryan's insights on Redemption 18-Year and its market implications Exploration of craft distilleries pushing the envelope with innovative offerings Engaging conversations around honey-finished bourbons and the evolving perception of American single malts Predictions for trends shaping the whiskey market in the near future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we're joined by Scott Landry, Senior Pastor of The Bridge in Ontario. Scott first joined the church in 2013 as a worship and student pastor before later stepping into the senior pastor role. Is your leadership marked by hidden wounds? Do you struggle with vulnerability in your ministry? Are you fighting the wrong battles—externally and internally? Scott recently released his first book, The Fight, a raw, deeply reflective look at the internal battles that shape our lives. Tune in as Scott's story of redemption after hitting rock bottom offers an honest, hopeful picture of what it looks like to stop hiding, confront the truth, and let God rebuild what was lost. Honesty after years of hiding. // After ten years as a “professional Christian”, hiding behind his seminary degree, thriving ministry, external success, Scott’s internal life was crumbling. His marriage ended, his relationship with his daughter was severed, his ministry collapsed, and he hit emotional and spiritual rock bottom. That collapse became the catalyst for transformation—choosing vulnerability and refusing to fake spiritual health. Sharing scars, not open wounds. // Leadership requires discernment about transparency. Scott embraces the principle: share your scars, not your wounds. There is a kind of vulnerability that belongs with counselors, trusted friends, and Jesus alone—and another kind that can help others heal. For Scott, his book, The Fight, became a way to share healed places that might help protect others from making the same mistakes he had. Vulnerability isn't weakness; rather, it's a gift. The act of going first as a leader gives others the courage to do the same. Fighting the right battles. // One of the dangers we face is fighting the wrong battles. Scott uses the story of David and Eliab to illustrate how church leaders often get pulled into conflict—criticism, social media arguments, internal comparison—and miss the “Goliath” right in front of them. We often fight against the people we are supposed to fight for, especially in ministry. Learning to focus on the right fights is essential for healing. The breaking point—and the voice of God. // One of the most powerful moments in his journey is when Scott found himself alone, isolated, and furious at God. In an explosive moment of honesty, he shouted, “I don't even believe in You anymore!” And then he sensed God say: “Then who are you yelling at?” That moment shattered his illusions. His anger, he realized, was evidence of God's presence. God had been waiting for Scott at the place of his deepest anger—the place he had avoided his entire life. Pain as preparation. // Drawing from Joshua's story and the painful preparation before Israel entered the Promised Land, Scott argues that discomfort often precedes destiny. The battles we face now equip us for battles ahead. Instead of asking God to end the fight, ask God to form you through it. Scott’s leadership has since been shaped around embracing discomfort—having hard conversations early, sitting with difficult emotions, and obeying God before understanding. Obedience in writing the book. // Writing The Fight began as an act of pure obedience. Scott resisted God's nudge for a year, until finally acknowledging that he couldn't ask God to bless one area of his life while disobeying Him in another. Once he opened a blank document, the first draft poured out in just three days. The writing became a healing process—one he initially believed was meant only for his children. The surprise has been how deeply his congregation has embraced his honesty and resonated with his story. Visit www.bridgechurches.ca to learn more about The Bridge, and pick up Scott’s book ,The Fight, on Amazon. To connect with Scott, find him on Instagram at @scottmlandry. Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: SermonDone Hey friends, Sunday is coming… is your Sermon Done?Pastor, you don't need more pressure—you need support. That's why you need to check out SermonDone—the premium AI assistant built exclusivelyfor pastors. SermonDone helps you handle the heavy lifting: deep sermon research, series planning, and even a theologically aligned first draft—in your voice—because it actually trains on up to 15 of your past sermons. But it doesn't stop there. With just a click, you can instantly turn your message into small group guides, discussion questions, and even kids curriculum. It's like adding a research assistant, a writing partner, and a discipleship team—all in one. Try it free for 5 days. Head over to www.SermonDone.com and use promo code Rich20 for 20% off today! Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey friends, welcome to the unSeminary podcast. So glad that you have decided to tune in. You are going to be rewarded today. We’ve got a great conversation lined up. I have my friend Scott Landry with us. He is the lead pastor at a fantastic church called The Bridge in or just outside of Ottawa, Ontario. Rich Birch — He joined the team in 2013 as the pastor of worship and student ministry and now serves as the senior pastor. Just being totally honest, friends, Scott and I are friends in real life. So it’s, these are actually, I find some of the funnier conversations because it’s like this weird conceit of like, we’ve got microphones between us and all of that. So, but Scott, welcome. So glad you’re here today.Scott Landry — Honored to be here with you, and better yet to be your friend.Rich Birch — This is going to be good. This is I’m really look looking forward to today’s conversation. So, um ah dear listener, I’m just going to pull back the the curtain. I really want you to listen in. Scott is an incredible leader and is doing, there’s lots of different things we could talk about, the way you’re using his his leadership and the church is growing and making an impact. And he’s got a bunch of platinum problems that he’s trying to figure out. And you know, where to get space and all that. But, but actually is none of that I want to talk about today. Actually, earlier this year, Scott released and a book. He wrote a book called “The Fight”. And what we’re going to talk about today is a little bit of the content, what it’s about and what led him to that process. And and then about ah the impact on ah his church. And I really want you to listen to in friends, think there’s a lot we can we can take out of this. Rich Birch — Why don’t you, how do you describe the book? When you, someone says like, oh, you wrote a book? What’s that on? I’d love to hear that. I’ve read the book, friends, so you just so you know.Scott Landry — Yeah, um it’s honestly somewhat of an autobiography, but it’s also a personal therapy session that’s on paper. It’s a little bit of biblical perspective in light of those things. And then I think hopefully pointing people who might read it to some level of personal insight or maybe personal application to both, both my story and also more importantly, the scriptural kind of you know, underlying and all of it.Scott Landry — So yeah, it’s not a self-help book, but I think it’s a self-reflective book. Rich Birch — That’s good. Scott Landry — And kind of hoping that people, yeah, hoping that people might see their story in the midst of mine. And and what what are the things that connect or are kind of similar threads through everybody’s story. And, uh, and, and it was, it it was, it was the cheapest version of therapy I could come up with, really. It was a lot of just kind of looking at my life and trying to make sense of it and and trying to find, find words for feelings I didn’t even know I felt. And, uh, yeah. And so just kind of putting it all out there for myself and also, for my kids and then, you know, the, the, you and the three other people that might read it. So it’s great.Rich Birch — Ah, and that’s not true. A lot more people than that have read it. At the core of this book, and we’ll get into this, friends, but at the core of this book, I would say it’s a high level of transparency. Like you are, you know, you let people in on, hey, here’s some stuff that I’ve been wrestling with, you know, over these years.Rich Birch — And I think most pastors think they should be transparent. That always hasn’t been the case. I’ve been in ministry long enough that there was a time where I think people actually wanted religious leaders who seemed perfect and were like… Scott Landry — Yeah. Rich Birch — …they’re these like, they’ve got their whole life together. That’s not the case anymore. People are looking for, and I think leaders want to be transparent. We want we want to kind of be honest with people. But the stakes sometimes feel higher for some reason. So what kind of led you to the place where you’re like, hey, I want to be vulnerable in a way, ah in written form, with your people, with the community around you?Scott Landry — Yeah, that’s a great question. Honestly, I think it was the fact that I hadn’t been authentic and vulnerable for too long and then lost everything because of it. You know, obviously I write in the book about my journey. I was a pastor for 10 years. I had a a seminary degree and didn’t have an unSeminary one, but I had the degree on the wall and I had, you know, the…Rich Birch — The real one, the real one.Scott Landry — They’re the real one. Yeah. And, uh, but I had all of that. I had 10 years of, of experience standing on stages and preaching the gospel and sharing who Jesus was. And, but the truth is I never really bought what I’d been selling, like in a personal, intimate way. And I wouldn’t say I was good at selling it, but I, but certainly, you know, had been doing it long enough, and and and and in some ways had been successful doing that. like Like good things were happening, ministry was growing, you know people were excited. And so then there becomes this like, oh, well, the lie, it’s amazing the lies that we can tell ourselves and the things that we can convince ourselves of. Scott Landry — So as a professional Christian for 10 years, you know, talking about but all these things and then my own life being a complete mess. And so as a leader, I’m sure other leaders that are listening to this can relate like I’m a dreamer. I always have been, always will be. But I was living a nightmare. And and for I was I had actually become a villain in my own story.Scott Landry — And and and I lost everything. A marriage fell apart. A relationship with my daughter, it was was severed at a very young age. She was four. Ministry was over. Like it was it was all done in an instant. And so 10 years of of hiding and not being, not authentic just for the people, but to my own self. And so when God resurrected my life and resurrected ministry, which I never thought was gonna happen, I was like, that that can’t ever happen again.Scott Landry — And so I wanted to kind of be someone who would lead by going first and saying, you know, and, and so I’ve been vulnerable and transparent from the pulpit. But this was something else. And, and I still am not sure why God prompted me to do this, but, but I would say, I never, I never want to go back to hiding. Scott Landry — And I think, I think we hide for a lot of reasons. I think there’s pastors or leaders listening to this. We hide, ultimately, I think we can give all the excuses we want, but it’s like, who you going to tell? Who you and what are you going to tell them? And and the minute you do, it’s like, well, then I’m going to be disqualified. I’m going to lose my job. Like, so it’s like, we kind of do this thing where I think I shared with you before. It’s like, I’m going to, we we almost force ourselves into a corner and convince ourselves we’re going to fake it till we make it. And ultimately what ends up happening is we fake it till we’re found out. Scott Landry — And and that’s, I mean, we’ve we’ve heard so many stories of that. And I was just like, that happened to me and I would hate for it to happen to anyone else. And I certainly am not going to let it happen to me again.Rich Birch — Yeah, I, friends, you can see why I’ve had Scott on today. There’s a lot here to, I think that all of us need to wrestle with. In fact, one of the, when I didn’t, didn’t even told you this, this is one of the the things I was, when I was reading it, um I had a mentor, a guy I worked for earlier in my career who his life has spectacularly failed. He had to has one of these situations that’s just blown up, and ministry’s blown up and all that. Rich Birch — And ironically, I find there’s ah multiple things about his leadership that I carry with me. And one of the things that I remember him saying very early on was he was like, there’s this interesting dance we do as leaders where we let people in. We know we have to let people into our, into our story, but we only let them in far enough. Scott Landry — Yeah.Rich Birch — We only let them in some, to something. And you’re always going to draw that line somewhere. The question is, where do you draw that line? And, um you know, you’ve chosen to to be very open and say, hey, this is my experience. This is who I’ve been here. And you kind of cast it in the book, not kind of, it’s literally called “The Fight”. You cast it in the book as an internal fight, the stuff beneath the service that shapes ultimately who we become. How do you discern, where are you drawing that line? How much are we able to, how transparent can we really be?Scott Landry — Yeah. That’s a great question. I think for me, it’s a few things. I’m not sure who said it. Um, but I, I, I’ve heard it said multiple different ways, but like, you know, you share your scars, not your wounds. So I’ve kind of, I think there’s a lot of truth to that. So for me, it’s like, if I’m still bleeding, that’s for therapy. That’s for trusted friends. That’s for my wife. That’s for Jesus.Scott Landry — But if it’s a wound that has, that is healed, and somebody can see their story in it and it’s helpful for them as either they’re still bleeding or or it could prevent them from getting hurt, then to me it’s worth sharing. Scott Landry — I’ve kind of come to the conclusion in my life, vulnerability isn’t weakness. it it’ it’s It’s actually it’s actually a gift. It’s there there is something to vulnerability in sitting with someone. You and I have done this without microphones in front of us. And we’ve we’ve told things to each other with tears in our eyes. And there’s something powerful that happens. That is a gift that you give someone. And it’s a gift for for what you give them and what you share to them.Scott Landry — But it’s also the gift to them that’s like this could, I could actually do this myself. It’s freeing for me to be given this gift to know it might not be with you, but with someone I could do that too. And, and that gift, I don’t think we truly understand how freeing and the weight that could be lifted by going first in that way. So for me, I’ve just decided that’s that’s who I’m going to be moving forward. So that the book is “The Fight” and because life is a fight. And to me, vulnerability and authenticity are worth fighting for.Rich Birch — I’d love to dig into some of the some of the stuff that you actually talk about in the book, kind of dig a couple layers deeper. You write about the danger of fighting the wrong battles that we can find ourselves in conversations that we we shouldn’t be in. You know, pulling out this… talk us through that. How does that relate? How have you seen that in your life?Scott Landry — Yeah.Rich Birch — And then what is that? How do you lead differently out of that? Because, you know, how do we pick the right battles? Talk me through that.Scott Landry — Yeah, I think it’s a personal thing. It certainly applies to leadership as well on a personal level. I think many times we fight, we fight with the people we’re supposed to fight for.Scott Landry — I think we fight amongst family members and, and then, you know, times goes by and you’re like, was that even worth it? I think, so I think those things happen. It’s like, how many fights have you had with your spouse? And it’s like I’m supposed to be fighting with you, not against you. Like we’re supposed to be in this together. And I’ve seen that happen in leadership too. It’s amazing to me how church people can, can hurt each other and and fight with each other and over things like carpet and and song selections and song volume and and preaching styles.Scott Landry — And so for me in leadership, it’s fighting the wrong battles. I talk about it, the David and Eliab thing, and you know, on the, on the battlefield where Goliath is kind of waiting in the wings and it’s really the main event. And, so much could have been so different if David had wasted his time in that argument. And, and he would have been justified in doing it. I mean, his, his character was being questioned. I mean, that’s worth fighting against. And it’s like, David’s like, I don’t get time for this, right? And I think how many of us as leaders spend so much time in the comment section, we’re fighting critics and we’re missing out on the giants. Rich Birch — Yeah.Scott Landry — You know, you, you, like that that in our culture, I think, is a huge one for leaders. And it’s like…Rich Birch — Yeah, big deal.Scott Landry — …oh, we’re so…And and I’m I’m guilty of that. You know we’re the other one I struggle with, I’m sure no one listening to this could can relate to this, but I spend so I spend so much time spending energy on who’s left, and not who’s here or who could be coming. And it’s like, and and you know what? Many times the people who’ve left, they were never really here anyway. Now that’s not to say we haven’t done something wrong at times and hurt people, but it’s like, man, I’ve I’ve spent so much time trying to convince that one person. Cause I’m like, oh, Jesus would leave the 99 to go after the one. And I’m like, maybe not that one. No, I’m just kidding.Rich Birch — That’s good. I like that.Scott Landry — But you know what I mean? Like but…Rich Birch — Yes.Scott Landry — …but we do. And and it’s it’s tragic how how distracted we can become. And and we we miss out in the fights that matter most because of ones that weren’t worth fighting to begin with.Rich Birch — Well, and this this is why we’ve seen a lot of pastors make the decision, church leaders make the decision, like, I just need to step back from social media. Because it’s like, you know, it’s like it’s like it’s set up for us to pick fights with other church leaders. Scott Landry — Yeah.Rich Birch — Like, it’s like, you know, that people are out there and there’s and there seems like there are for whatever reason, there are ah brothers and sisters in the faith who, who think that it’s their job to agitate, like that they’re like the professional agitators out there. And it’s like, so then we’re fighting with some other pastor or whatever, but that’s not, that’s like a total distraction from our mission. Like this, who, that person’s going to Jesus is going to be fine. Like, what about, like you say, the people that aren’t here yet. Rich Birch — There’s a moment in the book where you describe kind of being hitting a rock bottom or hitting an emotional bottom and crying out to God. Would you mind opening up a little bit about that? What did that teach you?Scott Landry — Yeah.Rich Birch — You know, what God meets us when, when all our strength runs out.Scott Landry — Well, yeah, that the, I mean, that I hope that’s a powerful moment in the book because it was it genuinely the most powerful moment in my life. And this was this was kind of at the crescendo of my my breaking point. So after after, you know, my my marriage and my my my life specifically falling apart. And I kind of lived in a place of isolation. I was living in, in, in, in the North, Canadian North. And, I was, yeah, I was lost. I was, I was angry. Like I had so much anger. And it was, so yeah, I talk about in the book. And, and, uh, I was angry and ultimately I was angry at myself, but I was also angry at God.Scott Landry — And, um, because even after, again, making a mess of my own life. Like He didn’t make a mess of my life. Nobody made the mess of my life. I made the mess of my life. And, but then after that, I was trying to do everything right. And I was trying to, you know, do the right thing, do the right thing. And I was like, God, when are you going to start intervening on my behalf. And so, you know, being the the preacher that I am, I was like, I got all the Bible verses that tell me that you’re going to like now is you’re going to do the redemptive thing. You’re going to show up, you’re going to move, you’re going to fix, you’re going to redeem, you’re going to restore, you’re going to repair, you’re going to do all the R words. And, and nothing was happening. Like it was like… Rich Birch — Right. Scott Landry — …and, and it was almost as if I, heard and I literally heard nothing. And I’d like to say I didn’t feel anything, but I did. It was just this, this anger that was welling up inside of me, like a, like a pot boiling. And eventually it just, I just became unhinged. Like I was alone. And I was completely isolated. I was in this, you know, empty house and I just started crying out like, and yelling out. And I threw, I threw things. I used words I’ve, I’m ashamed to admit I used. Like, I mean, I was as unhinged as could possibly, I was like, I gotta, if I saw you face to face, I would give you the thing. Like I told him all this stuff.Scott Landry — And, and what I found in that moment was like, and again, I talk about it in the book, but like I yelled, God, I don’t even believe in you anymore. I’m done. Like, like I don’t I don’t believe. You’ve promised me that you would never leave me. You would never forsake me. And that’s exactly what you’ve done. I’ve told people that you would never leave them and forsake them. And yet you’ve done that to me. You are you are dead to me. I don’t believe in you anymore. And I even now, I still feel this when I’m just talking about it. But like, this is, and this is, I know some people are going to roll their eyes at this. But like, genuinely, when I heard myself say that, I felt this like, over me, over my house. It was like this eerie like pause. And I heard, as if I’ve ever heard the voice of God, I heard a voice say, well, then who are you yelling at? And it was like this, like… Rich Birch — Beautiful. Scott Landry — …and in that moment, it was like, my anger was, it wasn’t my degree. It wasn’t my Bible. It was, it was my anger was my evidence that God was present right then and right there. And because my anger was directed at him. And he knew that I was angry with him.Scott Landry — And he met me at the place of my anger. And he was waiting. And this is the part that I still, I can’t do this, what’s what’s in my head, into my heart justice. But it was God was saying, I’ve been waiting for you at this place your whole life.Rich Birch — Wow. Right.Scott Landry — You have been hiding from this anger from your childhood, from your young adulthood, and I’ve been waiting for you to meet me here at your anger. And I’ve I’ve wanted you to know that I would be here waiting for you. And if you met me on the top of the tallest mountain, and if you look me face to face, and if you were to give me the finger, you would find me there waiting because I am waiting at who you really are, not who you’re pretending to be.Scott Landry — And everyone around you, you’ve got them fooled and you’re used car salesman and you can spin the Bible verses and you can do all that other stuff. But I know who you really are. And I’m waiting for you to finally be honest with yourself about who you really are. And now that you finally are, now we can do something about that together.Scott Landry — And that was the moment that God truly revealed himself to me. And that’s when I, for the first time in my life, truly discovered who I was. And yeah, that that’s the moment that I hope anybody who ever meets me or talks to me or listens to me or reads in it, like that’s the part that I long for people to have before it costs them like it costs me.Rich Birch — I just want to say thank you for for going there and talking about that. Because to me, that…and friends, you should pick up a copy of the book. I’m not trying to sell the book, but you should pick up a copy and actually…it’s worth it for this interaction. Because I think as pastors, people who are in what we do, I think we can give, we can put a varnish on all of this. And it and and I love that picture of you yelling at God. And then and then he’s like, well who are you yelling at? Like, what’s, what’s you you know…Scott Landry — Yeah. You don’t believe it. You don’t believe in me, but you’re yelling at me. Yeah. Yeah. That’s it. Yeah.Rich Birch — Yes. Like, I think, I think that is such a, I don’t know, there’s so much there. And I think it’s beautiful that you would open up about that and tell, talk to us here. I feel a little bit bad because I feel like I’m getting you to mine out like one of the best parts of the book, but that, um, at its core, I think would be hard for a lot of leaders to even admit to say, because by this point, friends, again, remember the pre-story, you had been a professional Christian for a long time. Like that that you had built your life around taking money from people… Scott Landry — Yeah. Rich Birch — …and doing this and came to that moment of crisis. So talk to me about the road back from there. So there’s obviously, you know, between there and today, you know, something happened. So talk us through… Scott Landry — Yeah. Rich Birch — …kind of what were some of those key steps? We’re not going to be able to cover all of it, but some of those key things that, that God used on that journey.Scott Landry — Yeah. Well, the immediate one was that I needed to get away. I was living in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories at the time, and I needed to get to Ontario because that’s where my four-year-old daughter was. And that necessity was kind of the you know the spark of of God beginning a redemptive work in my life.Scott Landry — And and then again, had never thought that I would be back in you know ministry in terms of you know a job or a career. I I I and iI wasn’t I had no idea what I was gonna do. And so I just did what I had to do to survive.Scott Landry — And, and, and again, God just, it’s the, it’s, it’s all this cliches. It’s all the songs we sing. It’s, you know, he made beauty for ashes. He, he resurrected things I was certain was dead. And so, and, and there were, he was orchestrating things to, to, you know, provide another way for me to get back into what he called me to do, which, you know, again, I, I, it would take me a long time to, to get into it. Rich Birch — Yes. Scott Landry — But I, again, I think it was just, it was, I just took the steps I had to take because I, and, but they were the steps that he was preparing for me to take, you know? Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Scott Landry — It’s and I, and I see that now, but it didn’t, it just felt like, like necessity then. But it was more than necessity. It was, it was intention. So, yeah.Rich Birch — Yeah, I don’t I don’t know if I’ve said this to you, but I think, in fact, I’m pretty sure I haven’t said this to you. One of the, you know, I mentioned, and and you know the person I’m talking about whose life fell apart. You know, one of my own reflections on that experience as a leader that was in that person’s orbit, pretty close to that orbit, in hindsight, um was we have to do a better, the collective we have to do a better job on helping people to talk about what’s going on on the inside in a way that doesn’t just immediately jump to, hey, like, you you know, you should not think that thought. Like, you know, we we need to be better at that. And I you think you’ve done a gift in this, you know, this with this book. Rich Birch — One of the things you also talked about is this whole idea that comfort can be the enemy of our calling. And I wish you didn’t write about this, but because, ah you know, it’s like convenience is and comfort are organizing principles of culture, right? That is like our entire culture is based around how do I make myself more comfortable? And and it’s true. I agree. Like I’m, you know, I’ve been on the Peloton and I’ve felt discomfortable. And then at the end of that, I’m like, I’m glad I did that in the middle of it. I was hating it. I get that. Talk us through that. What’s that journey been like in this kind of return home? How has that played a, you know, a part of that as a part of the journey?Scott Landry — Yeah, I think I think what I’ve learned is pain is always preparation. And and to me, I use the word always because I don’t see it never being that. I think there’s always something in in in a situation of discomfort or pain that is always preparing you for something that’s next for you or something that’s next for someone else that’s going to require you to be a part of it.Scott Landry — So the pain that I go through a lot of times is is you know preparing my my son or my daughter. Um, and so it’s always preparation for something. And that’s what I write about in the book, the story of Joshua, you know, it’s, it’s the most uncomfortable thought in the world that, you know, the, the, before their greatest battle, they, they’re circumcised, as, as men. And it’s like, oh, you know, that’s, that’s one conversation when the kid’s like a couple days old or eight days old as it was supposed to be. But when you’re, you know, 18, 20, that’s a whole different conversation.Scott Landry — And, Any guy that’s listening right now feels uncomfortable, but that’s, but that’s the point. God brought them to a place specifically to bring pain into their lives because of the destiny that he had for them.Scott Landry — And I think that’s just true in life, you know, it’s, and, and, and going through those things is crucial. It’s always, there’s always something next. And I think that’s the thing that I’ve, and again, I use the analogy of the fight and I tried to do that in the book because I, you know, I’m not a fighter in terms of like, I don’t do, you know, mixed martial arts or anything. I love that stuff and I love watching it. And I love boxing, which the the movie Rocky was part of the inspiration for the book or at least the theme of it.Scott Landry — And I think when you look like look at that stuff, what you always see is fighters fight a fight, so they can fight another fight. It’s like, I want to win this fight because I want to win this fight, but winning this fight sets me up for another fight that has greater reward for me.Scott Landry — And so I’m I’m inspired to win this fight because it’s going to put me or it’s going to allow me to fight on another level and another dimension. And I think, you know, in leadership, I think the challenges or the platinum problems, as you call them, you know, I think those are preparation. They’re not just to solve and the problem itself to be solved. It’s also preparation for a problem that’s coming because of getting through this one.Scott Landry — And I think when we start to see it that way and we can view the fight as like, I always pray that God will cause the fight to end. Like, God, just, just stop. Like, get me through this fight. Instead of praying, God, will you help me become the person in the midst of this fight that I need to be for the fight that’s coming down the road? It, that perspective, I think changes everything.Scott Landry — And if as leaders, we looked at our current challenges and struggles as like, hey, this is just preparation for something bigger. I think we’d i think we’d go into it a whole lot differently. And I think we would be willing to endure it just and with a different mindset. And so, yeah, that’s that’s what I’ve I’ve come to discover my own life through this thing.Rich Birch — Like our friend T.D. Jakes said, every level, a new devil. Like it’s like, right?Scott Landry — Yeah, yeah, totally.Rich Birch — This idea of like, hey, we’re going to get through this, but then that’s just going to open up something else that we got to get through. And I think that’s, I think it’s a great metaphor and is, I see too many people who are, and it could be, you know, people of my age or whatever.Rich Birch — I must, you know, you reach a certain age with enough zeros on the end. You hit a couple of those zero birthdays. And then you look around at your friends and you’re like, the people that, that don’t inspire me are the ones that are hitting the coast mode. Scott Landry — Yeah. Rich Birch — That are like, Hey, I’m going to try to, i’m going to try to make life more comfortable. It’s the people that are saying, no, let’s lean in. Let’s look, what can we do next? What is the thing that God’s got for us? I love that. Well…Scott Landry — Well, I tell people, oh, sorry, I was just going to say just…Rich Birch — Go ahead. No, go ahead.Scott Landry — …well, just to to kind of follow up on that. I think practically, what does that mean? Or what does that look like for us? Like, I you know, we talk to our staff all the time, right? I, you know, constantly tell them it’s like, to embrace that means in leadership, you’ve got to have uncomfortable conversations now because you’re going to have them anyway. Rich Birch — Right.Scott Landry — So comfort tells us, oh, like if I just let it go or if I just like, no, you’re you’re just prolonging the inevitable conversation. So have it now. Rich Birch — Yeah.Scott Landry — You know, or or you sit with emotions that you’re feeling. You got to sit with them a little longer before you act on them. That’s not comfortable. We want to just, you know, so it’s that balance. Like it’s, It’s, ah you know, even obeying before understanding, right?Scott Landry — Like, like you’ve got like all those lessons and those places of discomfort, I think are all preparation pieces for the greater thing. So…Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s so good.Scott Landry — Yeah.Rich Birch — Yeah. And even in the physical world, like I was thinking about this when I was on my Peloton prepping for this. And I know you have Peloton, that like there was a time when there would be numbers on the screen in front of me that those numbers felt like death. Like I’m like, this is not like, I can’t keep doing this. But then what happens over time is you, your body acclimatizes to that, right? You become healthier. You get your cardiovascular system, your VO2 max grows, and then you’re able to, ah you know, to carry more. And I think that is true in leadership. I think that’s true in our spiritual life. I think there is like a, you know, kind of bearing on the weight of it. And um yeah, I think that’s very true. Rich Birch — Okay. I’d love to pivot in a totally different direction. So, you know, again, friends, you should pick up a copy of the book because I think it’ll be great. It’s spiritually enriching experience for you. I think this book could be helpful in like, there’s lots of conversations where I’m like, I think, I think this could be one of those books you have on your shelf. And you said, Hey, you know what, why don’t you read this book? This might help you think through, you know, might be a real encouragement. So I will, we’ll get to where you can get that in a minute. Rich Birch —But I want to kind of talk more about kind of the meta experience of you as a pastor, writing a book, choosing to do that. When you first introduced me to this idea, I still remembered it. You were like, I do not want to write a book. I am writing a book. Like, and it was like this, I am compelled. It is by obedience that I am, who knows? I think literally the thing you said to me the first time, and it was through tears, was like, I’m not really even sure why like I’m doing this thing, who knows? So talk to me about that obedience. What did that first step look like? Kind of help me ah or understand the process. Talk about that a little bit.Scott Landry — Yeah, it’s funny. You did a great version of me there. That’s exactly how I said it. And that’s exactly how I felt. And I honestly, I still feel that way, even now that it’s out there in in the world. Yeah, it was totally an act of of obedience. Scott Landry — And so for context, two years ago, my family vacations in Florida. I, I have no shame. I mooch off my in-laws who have a condo there. My wife and I both lived there at one, at one point. So it’s kind of like going home. Scott Landry — But anyway, long story, I was running on the beach. And, and I just, I felt like the Lord just stopped me and he gave me two very clear directives for the next chapter of my life. One was about the church and the other was to write a book.Scott Landry — And the first one made complete sense to me. And the other one still makes absolutely no sense to me. I am not an, writer. I’m not an author. I’m not ah like, and who am I? Like all this kind of, you know, who am I syndrome started kicking in and and I was just like, whatever. So I came back two years ago and I got to work on the first one and ignored the second one.Scott Landry — And I ignored the second one, writing a book for an entire year. And then on my birthday in September, I just, I felt like I was, I was genuinely like, how can I ask God to bless this first thing that he’s asked me to do if I’m being disobedient in this other thing that he’s asked me to do? And I, I don’t understand it. So to me, I’m, that justifies why I’m not doing it. And I was like, I’ve got to be obedient to this, whether I understand it or not. So that’s what I did. And so for me, obedience was opening a blank document. And just starting. And that’s what I did.Scott Landry — And it was, and I don’t know if you’ve had this experience, Rich, but it was amazing to me. I’ve had writer’s block for sermons. This poured out of me… Rich Birch — Wow. Scott Landry — …in a way I was not expecting. Like it it was the draft that you read of the book or the first draft of the book was done in a little over three days.Rich Birch — Yeah.Scott Landry — It just…Rich Birch — Well, that surprised me even, you know, cause I remember you were, and that hasn’t been my experience with writing. It’s been like, I have found it like arduous. But I remember you’re like, Oh, I’m going away. I’m going to this thing. And then it was like, Oh yeah, I got it done. And I was like, wow. Like that’s, that’s incredible. That’s amazing. And then obviously then there’s all the editing and you got to actually get it.Scott Landry — Well, yeah, I, yeah, everything after that was way longer than I or wanted it to be um um for sure.Rich Birch — Yes. Yes.Scott Landry — And way more than I expected it to be. But I think, I think I needed to me, to me, it was a piece of, it was a document that was basically like a therapy session that didn’t cost me anything other than time…Rich Birch — Right. Right.Scott Landry — …that I needed to get a lot of stuff off my chest and and off my heart. And it just, I needed to open that document to do it. And I think maybe that is, and it didn’t occur to me until just now, that that may be the very reason that God wanted me to do it… Rich Birch — Right. Scott Landry — …was to free me of that so I could be released to do whatever has nothing about to do about the book. It just was his way of getting me to get through it.Rich Birch — Yeah. Well, and I remember at one point, um hopefully I’m not outing something. We can cut this if you don’t want me to say this, but I remember at one point you were saying like, even if I just have it for my daughter, that would be a gift, right?Rich Birch — Like it’s like for her at some point to read this would be, um you know, a gift. Actually, I know a friend of mine who has literally done that has written full books and literally got like got them printed and given it just to them for their kids.Scott Landry — Yeah.Rich Birch — You know, tens of thousands of words. So yeah, that’s, that’s, ah that’s incredible. So, you know, the writing of books in general, is I find the line between writing and thinking is very blurry. Like it’s like, it’s like almost in my mind, like it’s kind of the same thing. Like it’s the same activity. There’s obviously writing involved, but it’s like, it’s, it costs, it’s a, or it, it drives a lot of reflection, honesty, you know, thinking about all that stuff. Was there anything as you went through this therapy process of writing that actually just surprised you about like, Oh wow. Like that was either my reflection on that was different or, um, you know, we’re, you know, like anything surprised you through the process process?Scott Landry — Yeah, there was a…good question. There was a couple things for sure. One of them was I had to go check. It’s amazing how your memory can be your greatest enemy. I remembered certain things a certain way and then going back and talking to my mother. Again, spoiler alert – I grew up in a single parent household. My mom is my hero, strongest woman ever.Scott Landry — Anyways, and I write about her and, and my life growing up and what she had to do to get us through. So, so going back and, and, and really at as an adult, getting the details of what actually happened and what my perception of what happened happened. It was it was It was much worse than I understood…Rich Birch — Oh, wow.Scott Landry — …and what she endured and went through. And I gained a level of admiration from my, I thought I admired her, but I gained a level of admiration that is a gift. And, and, and every child should have the gift to see their parents the way that I see my mom. She is, she is amazing. Scott Landry — So that, that’s one. The other one was, was I there was some things that I, I learned along the way. I think the first one was that I found was about the, the resentment that I had towards my father. And I, and, and I, as I was writing it, God just kind of revealed this to me that, that adapting, adapting to loss is different than than winning a fight. And I had adapted to the pain of what I had lost. And I thought that was the same thing as winning that fight against resentment. And they’re not the same thing. Scott Landry — And that was that that was a real breakthrough moment for me. I was in a cabin near a ski hill as I was writing that. And it was like i was almost like I was watching a movie, watching myself have a moment. Rich Birch — Wow. Scott Landry — And it was just this this really beautiful moment between God and I. And I was just like, wow, God, thank you for for showing that to me. And then, give me the words to articulate this to my kids. Cause you’re right. I, I did first and foremost, write this for my kids, Emma and Parker. And I wanted them to know, you know, who they come from, what they come from. And, and, and hopefully if I never get the chance to tell them, they’ve got this to fall back on. And then my wife being my wife was like, well, if you’re going to do it for them, you might as well go all the way. So, so that’s, that’s, that’s what we did.Rich Birch — Wow. Okay. So what did this process teach you as you’ve now, cause you’ve launched this book, it’s out in the world. You’ve, you can get it on Amazon. You, you know, it’s, you’ve done a series at the church. You’ve talked about it. You know, if you’ve been public about it. Rich Birch — What did the launching of that teach you about your congregation, about your church? What resonated? What, how, how was it helpful? Any conversations that sparked kind of what was the impact that you’ve, now that you’ve landed this in, in your church?Scott Landry — Yeah. Oh, I just got emotional there thinking about your question as you’re asking it. I think… what I talk about in the book, Rich, is that I’m a very insecure person. And and as a leader, I’m an insecure leader. And always, you know, that that dance between, you know, being authentic about who you are at the same time, the insecurity about that. And it’s, Lisa, my wife tells me all the time, if people knew how insecure you are, they they wouldn’t believe it, because you don’t present that way.Scott Landry — But I was very insecure about doing this thing and the people that I serve, and and and journey together with seeing me in a way that they might change their mind about me. But the people at The Bridge, they love me, and they are so gracious to me. And I what I’ve discovered is that me being honest about who I am is is who they’ve wanted me to be the whole time.Scott Landry — And so everybody that’s read the book, I shouldn’t say everybody, but I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from the people at The Bridge just thanking me for telling my story and then them saying so much of that I relate to, so much of that I needed right now telling me things about themselves that I had no idea was happening in their lives. And this has only been out for like a month. Scott Landry — And so I’ve just gotten overwhelmed with, with people’s responses. And, and I think for our church, you know, one of our values is authentic storytelling And so, um, it just so happens that as a leader, you get to go first Rich Birch — Right. Scott Landry — And, and, and and in order for that value to be more than something that’s just plastered on a wall or a website, like I had, I didn’t know it was going to be in in the form of a book. But I do see that, that people are opening up in ways that, you know, just in the, in the in the last month to me and in others. So, yeah, but that that’s the thing that that i’ve I’ve seen in our church is just um that that I’ve been insecure about how I’m seen as a leader and and they’ve shown me that that they love me. And that’s the greatest gift, I’m telling you.Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s so cool, man. I love that. That’s, and thanks for being vulnerable in your sharing there. Like I think I, you know, I think there is anyone that’s written has had a book definitely has those feelings on the inside of like, oh man, this was a bad idea like why am I doing this. And like I’m you know, the stuff I’ve written about is nowhere near as, you know, personal and tender as what you’ve written. And I can identify exactly with what you’re saying there around the like, what will people think of me? You know, and it’s amazing. Rich Birch — So trying to extract a bit of, you know, there might be people that are listening and I hope there’s people that are listening in who would think like, maybe I should write a book. Or maybe, maybe they had a similar experience where God told them to write a book and they’ve been dragging their feet. Scott Landry — Yeah, yeah. Rich Birch — What would be a couple kind of just practical takeaways, like maybe things you would say, I wish I would have known this before timelines, collaboration, editing, any of that kind of stuff.Scott Landry — Yeah. Well, the first thing I would do is thankfully what I did, was talk to people who have done it. So you were one of those people and I was hoping that you were going to convince me not to do it. Thanks thanks for letting me down. But yeah, just like, and, and, you know, it’s like, Hey, talk to a few different people and, and, and, you know, what’s their process is and and kind of what they did. Scott Landry — But the other thing that I learned quickly was everybody that I talked to does it differently. And so it wasn’t about figuring out the process. It was about finding my own. Rich Birch — Yep.Scott Landry — And so I kind of leaned on what I know of myself and how I kind of operate. And so that was one.Scott Landry — I think the other one was You know, however much time you think it’s going to take, double it and then add some to that. Like it’s way more time than you think it’s going to going to take.Scott Landry — I would, you know, what do they say? Like find people in your life who tell you what you need to know, not what you want to hear. Like it’s like whoever you’re going to invite into the process with you, like you want to collaborate with people who are going to tell you the truth, not that you’re profound. It’s like, yeah, like I, I wanted this to be the best that it could be for my kids.Rich Birch — Right. Scott Landry — And that’s why I asked, you know, you and a few others. And so, um, and then I think, you know, the other one is, is really have a clear, at least for me, and I don’t know if this is true for you, but it’s like, I’m sure it is, like, you know who you’re writing to and who you’re writing for. Rich Birch — Right. Scott Landry — And I think that has to be like, every time I sat down, like after a coffee and was like, okay, here, we’re opening up the laptop again, it was like, I pictured Emma. I pictured Parker. This is who I’m writing this for. It’s like who, so whether if it’s a, if it’s a book for your church, if it’s a book for leaders, you know, whoever that’s for is like have a very clear picture in your mind, who your audience is and and imagine faces that represent those people.Scott Landry — Because I think it, to me at least, is it makes it less about the content and it brings the heart into it. And I think that I hope that and is what engages people more than, because I’m not a writer. But I hope my heart comes through the words that are on the pages. And I think that’s just because I had those two beautiful kids in mind.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s cool. That’s a great, that’s a great tip. I, the, that idea of focusing who is the person. And I worked at a church that had a very robust practice kind of sermon practice process. And that’s one of the things, one of the questions we would often ask is like, who are you preaching this to? And I loved, cause our lead guy, he would get like really specific. It wouldn’t be like, it’s not like, well, I’m generally thinking 33 year old, you know, guys that are married. He’d be like, Scott Landry… Scott Landry — Yeah. Rich Birch — …you know, like he would like, it’s like he would pick out a specific person. He said, I’m hoping that that that’s who I’m thinking about. And that always struck me as like, I think that’s a part of what gave him great kind of power in his communication because it wasn’t this vague idea of like this, some general target. It’s like, no, I’m talking to this person and I want to, I want to communicate in a way that will move them. I think that’s great when you think about from a book point of view. Rich Birch — Well, I want to encourage people to pick up a copy of the book. But before we get there, any kind of last words about any of this that you want to share? You’ve been so generous with your time today.Scott Landry — No, I appreciate your time. I appreciate you having me on. And if anybody’s gotten to the end of this podcast and is even considering, you know, getting a copy of the book, I guess my heart for you would be to discover what I discovered the hard way, but I hope that it doesn’t require you to to find out the hard way is that that God truly knows who you truly are. And all he desperately wants is for you to be honest about who he already knows you are. And and then he wants to release that person for the purpose that he has for them. And so I pray that it doesn’t take whoever you are, you losing what I lost to find that. I hope that you will be wiser than I was. Learn, you know, don’t learn from your own mistakes, learn from mine. And, and, and, and find yourself because you’re going to find God there waiting. And I hope that for you and pray that for you.Rich Birch — That’s good. That’s great. So we want to send people to Amazon. Is that the best place that they can pick up copies of this book? Is there anywhere else we want to send them just as we wrap up today’s episode?Scott Landry — No, yeah, Amazon, the book “The Fight” is there. Can also follow me on Instagram. Keep updates there – @scottmlandry. Yeah, you can see pictures my sneakers. That’s about it.Rich Birch — It’s great. Thanks so much, Scott. Appreciate you being here.Scott Landry — Thank you, Rich.

What happens when your testimony brings hope—and criticism? In this conversation with Granger and Amber Smith, we talk honestly about grief, repentance, and the cost of sharing your story. From losing a child to walking through public judgment, we explore why grace-filled testimonies often make religious people uncomfortable—and how the gospel speaks louder than accusation. Chat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

LESSON 352Judgment And Love Are Opposites.From One Come All The Sorrows Of The WorldBut From The Other Comes The Peace Of God Himself.Forgiveness looks on sinlessness alone, and judges not. Through this I come to You. Judgment will bind my eyes and make me blind. Yet love, reflected in forgiveness here, reminds me You have given me a way to find Your peace again. I am redeemed when I elect to follow in this way. You have not left me comfortless. I have within me both the memory of You, and One Who leads me to it. Father, I would hear Your Voice and find Your peace today. For I would love my own Identity, and find in It the memory of You.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Have a question or comment for Pastor Plek or one of his guests. Send it here.378: Matt Badgley's life began with unimaginable trauma - conceived through rape to a drug-addicted mother. His childhood was marked by poverty, abuse, and abandonment, leading to a suicide attempt at 14. However, God intervened through Young Life ministry, where Matt encountered the unconditional love of his Heavenly Father. Today, he's breaking generational cycles by raising godly children with his wife Brittany. His story demonstrates that no situation is too broken for God's redemption, and our worst experiences can become the foundation for ministry and hope for others.Text your questions to us at 737-231-0605 or visit pastorplek.com. We talk faith, culture, and everything in between.Like, share, and subscribe! We love seeing and responding to your reviews and comments.Support the show: https://wbcc.churchcenter.com/givingSupport the show

Redemption, salvation, deliverance: these three words are mega-themes throughout Scripture, and they summarize the true message of Christmas. That's why Zechariah sings about them! Learn more as Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth continues in Luke 1.

Joining the Choose Strong podcast in this episode, is Rachel Entrekin! She is a Norda athlete, and has had recent victories at Cocodona 250, High Lonesome 100 & The Mammoth (and MANY more) . Enjoy getting to know Rachel a little more as she joins Sally in an awesome chat! Enjoy! Other Episode Highlights:Recent Norda athlete!Background to how Rachel started runningHigh school battle of identity and self-worthRehab 2x Ultrarunning “saved her life”Running in the southeast How Rachel got into trail runningA French speaker?!Balancing full time work & high level trainingRacing 1000 miles this past yearPT background & how that's helped stay injury freeThe importance of the slow build2026 plans Connect with RACHEL at: Substack: @rachelentrekinIG: @rachel__entrekinBe sure to follow Rachel on IG and to find out more about her upcoming summer Ultra Trail Mount Blanc Camp and how you can join! All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sally McRae Strength App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Podcast YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sally McRae YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Merch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bare Performance Nutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code: SALLY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Choose Strong Strava Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Sponsors:Hello Fresh: Visit hellofresh.com/SALLY10FM for 10 FREE meals + breakfast for life.ZocDoc: Go to ⁠⁠⁠zocdoc.com/SALLY⁠⁠⁠ to book a top-rated doctor todayJanji: Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠janji.com and use code CHOOSESTRONG for 10% offiRestore: Unlock your best skin with @iRestorelaser! Subscribe & Save for 25% off or more + free shipping on iRestore Skincare AND get HUGE savings on the iRestore Illumina Face Mask with code STRONG at irestore.com/STRONG! #irestorepod

We're dipping into our archives this holiday season to resurface conversations that we had with various scholars at ETS last year. This week, we're highlighting a conversation that Tommy Keene and Peter Lee had with J.V. Fesko to unpack his recent work on the Pactum Salutis, or, the covenant of redemption–the covenant made in eternity past between the Father and the Son to redeem humanity from sin. Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Our winter Flex-Res spots are filling up quickly. Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington

In this powerful episode, Casey Baugh sits down with long-time friend and All-American wrestler Ben Kjar for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, adversity, and becoming the kind of person who stands out—on purpose. From surviving childhood bullying to becoming Utah Valley University's first All-American, Ben shares what it takes to turn pain into fuel, pressure into performance, and setbacks into legacy.Ben opens up about living with Crouzon Syndrome, calling his shot as a teen, building elite discipline, and the upcoming release of his inspiring feature film Stand Out. This isn't just a story of success—it's a blueprint for how to live bold, focused, and fully committed to your calling.00:00 | Missionary Beginnings & Lifelong Friendship03:58 | Wrestling Origins & Crouzon Syndrome06:39 | Calling the Shot: Becoming a 3X State Champion08:55 | Childhood Trauma That Sparked Transformation12:39 | Choosing Power Over Victimhood18:10 | Lessons from Jesus: Grace vs. Retaliation24:31 | UVU Wrestling & Sacrificing for the Dream26:45 | Be Disobedient to Average29:42 | The Power of Shot-Calling & Deadlines32:57 | Translating Athletic Principles to Life35:07 | Expanding Worldviews Through Experience41:56 | Letting Go to Go All In44:43 | Becoming UVU's First All-American48:01 | Grit, Redemption & Spitting in Fear's Face54:15 | Impact of Focused Commitment57:25 | From Real Estate to Life Purpose01:02:00 | Family, Adoption & Unwavering Support01:06:09 | Speaking with Purpose & Creating Legacy01:09:03 | Trust, Belief & Living with Intention01:15:08 | Behind the Film “Stand Out”01:21:00 | Final Reflections & Lasting Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Need help? Find a resource here: https://firstresponderwellness.co/resources/ Register for the First Responder Leadership Mastermind here: https://firstresponderwellness.co/masterclass/   From Addiction to Purpose - Rich Cheatham's Journey Through Shame and Redemption. In this powerful episode, retired fire captain Rick Cheatham opens up about a hidden crisis in the fire service—addiction, shame, and the mental health struggles no one talks about. Rick shares his personal battle with pornography addiction, rooted in childhood pain and magnified by the trauma of the job. With brutal honesty, he describes how his double life nearly destroyed his marriage, and how healing came only when he chose radical honesty and mentorship over silence and shame. This conversation is vital for every first responder, leader, and husband struggling to hold it all together. If you've ever wondered how to rebuild trust, find peace, and transform your pain into purpose—this is the episode you need to hear. ABOUT RICK CHEATHAM Rick Cheatham served the city of Anaheim for 25 years as a firefighter and fire captain, retiring in 2020. Beneath the uniform, however, Rick silently battled a devastating addiction rooted in childhood trauma and the accumulated emotional toll of service. After nearly losing his marriage, Rick embarked on a years-long journey of healing—through coaching, mentorship, radical honesty, and spiritual transformation. Now living in Nashville, Rick dedicates his life to helping firefighter husbands overcome their own battles with addiction and shame, guiding them toward restoration, trust, and purpose. His mission is clear: to break the silence, heal the pain, and help men become the husbands and fathers they were meant to be. https://rickcheatham.com/ +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST Register for the First Responder Leadership Mastermind here: https://firstresponderwellness.co/masterclass/ Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.

Too many men today aren't struggling because they lack information. They're struggling because they're drowning in noise. And, I think it's time we start unpacking why the "modern masculinity" space has become obsessed with hot takes, call-outs, online outrage, and performative "accountability" - and why none of it builds strong men, meaningful connection, or lasting improvement. Today I'm joined by my friend, Jack Donovan, to talk about why gossip masquerades as moral authority, how "calling men out" often replaces real accountability, the difference between integrity, honor, and reputation, why social media rewards division, not leadership, the dangers of pedestalizing others—and why men need a code to live by. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Studio Setup & Creative Work 02:24 - Why the Right Needs to Create Culture 04:22 - The Problem With Hot Takes 06:06 - Engagement vs. Building a Movement 08:17 - Writing as Intellectual Discipline 10:16 - AI Art, Aesthetics, and Snobbery 12:01 - Giving People the Benefit of the Doubt 14:11 - Funding Art and Leaving a Legacy 17:07 - Storytelling as Masculine Power 19:33 - Integrity as Aesthetic Congruence 21:09 - Integrity vs. Disintegration 23:14 - Faith, Ritual, and Mental Wholeness 25:16 - Philosophy as a Code of Conduct 26:50 - Honor as Reputation 30:13 - Tribalism and Dehumanization 33:18 - Why Men Gossip 36:49 - Malicious Gossip vs. Accountability 41:14 - Reality TV Culture and Privacy 44:43 - Judging Without Context 46:22 - The Danger of Moral Pedestals 49:32 - Hubris and Public Failure 52:31 - The Trust Recession 55:29 - Projection and False Narratives 58:51 - Redemption and Change 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  

In today’s special year-end holiday episode, host Heather Creekmore welcomes author and speaker Cynthia Ruchti to the show for an uplifting conversation perfectly suited to the busy woman navigating the Christmas season. As the holidays approach, the to-do lists are long, and the “reason for the season” can easily get lost amid shopping, family obligations, and endless tasks. Heather Creekmore and Cynthia Ruchti encourage listeners to pause, ponder, and rediscover the wonder of Christmas, focusing on spiritual renewal rather than exhausting productivity. Together, they discuss Cynthia’s Christmas devotional, her insights on noticing God’s presence, embracing lingering and pondering, and shifting our attitudes to receive what God has truly prepared for us—even in the midst of chaos, disappointment, and the “distribution of labor” that often falls to women during the holidays. The episode is packed with relatable holiday circumstances, biblical reflections, real-life stories, and practical encouragement to rest in the joy, awe, and wonder that Christmas offers. Key Topics Discussed: Why slowing down and observing brings more spiritual refreshment than staying busy The power of “lingering”—with God, with loved ones, and in the moment God’s upside-down kingdom and the abundance found in trusting Him with our time and resources Noticing God in both the seen and the unseen aspects of the Christmas story The message of redemption woven throughout Scripture, from Isaiah to the nativity What holiday mishaps (yes, even broken goblets!) can teach us about perspective and joy Reframing holiday serving as a gift for ourselves, not just for others How to keep awe and wonder alive in our hearts, even when Christmas feels like another item on the checklist Practical encouragement for busy moms and grandmas feeling the holiday load Using Cynthia’s 26-day devotional for a richer, more intentional holiday season Resources & Links: Get Cynthia’s Christmas devotional book, Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence (available on Amazon and hemmedinhope.com) *Amazon affiiate link, a tiny portion of your purchase will support this ministry. Connect with Cynthia at hemmedinhope.com or cynthiaruchti.com Explore Cynthia’s other books—fiction and nonfiction—through her website Sign up for the next 40-Day Journey at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Don’t forget: Whether you’re listening on your way to pick up gifts, hauling kids to their next party, or just stealing a quiet moment, this episode will leave you refreshed and ready to focus on what matters most this holiday season! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Scott is changing jobs! This week, the team honors Scott as he transitions off Harris Creek's staff and shares the story behind his big vocational change—how he processed the decision, invited community, and listened to the Lord's leading. The conversation offers couples a model for making major decisions with humility, unity, and intentionality. The MTR team also discusses the exciting future to come with the podcast!Discussion Questions for Couples1- When you face a big decision, do you tend to move fast or slow? How does that impact your spouse?2- What role does community currently play in your decision-making? What role should it play?3- How do you personally respond to vulnerability—your spouse's and your own?4- Are there areas where you might be making decisions independently rather than mutually?Resources:Episode 43- The not so secret Guide to In Laws (ft. Dave Willis)Episode 49- We are Made for People (ft. Justin Whitmel Earley)Episode 63 - Celebrating One Year of MTREpisode 102 - A Story of Redemption and Forgiveness (ft. Kevin Kelli Mainz)Episode 103 - Protecting Your Marriage from InfidelityEpisode 121- Christ is the Melody of Your Marriage (ft. John Elmore)

Mike Santana sits down for a raw, honest conversation about losing the TNA Championship just 31 days after winning it and why that moment changed everything. Santana opens up about hitting rock bottom, breaking the cycle of self-sabotage, rebuilding himself after AEW, and turning pain into fuel. He also discusses his upcoming steel cage match, his contractual rematch with Frankie Kazarian at TNA Genesis, the emotional Immersed docuseries, and the pressure of being one of the faces of TNA Wrestling's historic move to AMC.Listen now, subscribe, and don't miss a single moment from the biggest names in pro wrestling.

Use promo code: FREEMONTH to get the first month free until the end of 2025.⁠⁠https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/?coupon=FREEMONTHIn this inspiring testimony, Pastor Rangi shares his incredible journey from gang violence and rebellion to radical redemption through Jesus Christ. Born into a life surrounded by violence, Rangi was deeply entrenched in gang culture before a life-changing encounter with God turned everything around.https://TakingTheLandPodcast.com• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $3/month on Supercast⁠: https://taking-the-land.supercast.com/⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $3.99/month on Spotify⁠: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taking-the-land/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠Subscribe for only $4.99/month on Apple Podcasts⁠: https://apple.co/3vy1s5b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode dives deep into the challenges of backsliding, the overwhelming love of God, and the restoration that only faith can bring. Pastor Rangi speaks candidly about the battles he's faced and the grace that brought him home. From pioneering churches to building a spiritual family, his story is a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for the love of Christ.Whether you're struggling, returning, or just starting your journey of faith, this testimony will encourage and strengthen you.Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this story of hope!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Testimony Tuesday05:14 The Growth of the Church in New Zealand10:42 The Impact of Violence and Gangs16:09 The Search for Purpose and Direction21:39 Reflections on Violence and Society29:01 Spiritual Beliefs and Cultural Perspectives37:26 Radical Change: Embracing Faith and Ministry43:00 Backsliding: The Descent into Old Habits50:20 Tragedy and Guilt: The Loss of a Friend58:32 Repentance and Renewal: A New Beginning01:03:48 The Journey of Backsliding and Return01:09:40 The Heart of God for the Backslider01:14:42 Restoration and the Role of the Church01:25:16 Introduction and Context Setting01:25:35 The Journey of Restoration01:34:17 Rebuilding Relationships and Family Dynamics01:39:23 The Call to Pioneer and Launching Out01:50:38 Moving Forward and New Beginnings01:57:19 Challenges of Pioneering During a Pandemic02:02:36 The Struggles of Ministry and Personal Sacrifice02:08:09 Living for Jesus: The Cost of Discipleship02:14:40 Prayer Requests and Community NeedsShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at: • Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b • Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369

 Get a sneak peek at “Sheepdog,” an uplifting, award-winning movie, inspired by countless first-hand accounts from veterans about recovery, redemption and the journey of healing. Writer, director and actor Steven Grayhm and Emmy-winning actor Vondie Curtis Hall, who also stars in the film, are the guests in this episode of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast. Grayhm talks about interviews with veterans from the Vietnam War, Global War on Terrorism, OIF and OEF, and others that serve as the basis for this uplifting movie that highlights Post Traumatic Growth. Also in this episode, a record $23.3 billion in VA claims benefits, Buddy Checks for the Army during the holiday season, and more.SHOW LINKSEP287 - Doug Evans The Sprouts GuyFuel the Fight - Fund the MissionBart Womack - Tango 271Sheepdog the Movie WebsiteVet TixJoin the USA250 ChallengeAmerican Legion Be the OneBuddy ChecksArmy leaders ordered to check in daily with soldiers over the holidaysRecord year for American Legion Service OfficersFind a Service OfficerSupport Service Officers and Military Families

Ruth: From Restlessness to Redemption by Storyline Church

As Jesus Christ's Apostle to All Nations and Generations, I testify of the truths revealed in the Doctrine and Covenants 137–138. I witness that the heavenly celestial kingdom is real, that salvation is offered to all of God's children, and that Christ Himself setup a ministry in the spirit world following His death on the cross.I testify that the work of redemption is ongoing, eternal, and universal. Just as my apostolic brother Peter testified that Christ “preached unto the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:19), I affirm that this ministry continues today. The revelations found in these sections of the Doctrine and Covenants confirm to the humble of heart that God's mercy extends beyond the grave.As an Apostolic Witness of Jesus Christ, I testify that He is Alive Today, and that He is the Redeemer of both the living and the dead.In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.D. Todd Harrison, Apostle of Jesus ChristJesus Christ's Apostle to All Nations and GenerationsYear Six of Global Apostolic MinistryCommissioned by Jesus Christ (like the Apostle Paul-Galatians 1:1)The Most-Followed LDS Religious Leader on Facebook (1 Corinthians 9:1–3)

התוכן יום ג' בשבוע הוא גם היום שהשנה חל בו חג הגאולה י"ט כסלו (כבפעם הא' בשנת תקנ"ט), שקשור עם הענין דהפצת המעיינות חוצה, וכן נגלה דתורה – שכ"גוף" לנשמה, פנימיות התורה, ה"ה נמשכת אחרי', וכן קיום המצוות בכלל, ובזה גופא באופן ד"מהדרין מן המהדרין" – כההוראה מימי החנוכה ש"מנהג פשוט" שכל א' מקיים מצוות נר חנוכה באופן ד"מהדרין מן המהדרין". ולהעיר שלאחרי שיצא ממאסר חזר אדה"ז לוויטעבסק ביום ב' דחנוכה, שאז ניכר לראשונה הענין ד"מהדרין מן המהדרין" בפועל. וההוראה: להחליט לקיים הענין ד"מהדרין מן המהדרין" בכל עניני תומ"צ, החל מה"מבצעים" הכלליים, שכ"ז מביא ומזרז שה' עושה בעצמו את ה"מבצע" הכי גדול, עקרי ופנימי – גאולה האמיתית והשלימה; בלי נדר אחלק "על פתח ביתו" של הביהכ"נ וביהמ"ד, הד' אמות של נשיא דורנו, דולר א' לכל א' בתור דמי חנוכה לעשות בו כטוב בעיניו, ובהוספה מדילי'.שיחת יום ג', ב' דחנוכה, אחרי תפילת מנחה, ה'תשל"ח – בבית הכנסת ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=16-12-2025 Synopsis Tuesday is also the day of the week upon which 19 Kislev fell this year (as it did the first year 5559) – a day associated with spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus outward, as well as spreading the study of Nigleh (because Nigleh is the “body” of Torah, which goes wherever the “soul” goes) and spreading mitzvah observance in general, and in a manner of mehadrin min hamehadrin, which on Chanukah is the “universally accepted custom.” We know that after the Alter Rebbe's liberation, he arrived in Vitebsk on Tuesday, the second day of Chanukah. Notably, the second day of Chanukah is the first opportunity to observe the mitzvah of lighting Chanukah candles in the manner of mehadrin min hamehadrin in practice. The lesson is that everyone should firmly resolve to act in the manner of mehadrin min hamehadrin in all matters of Torah and mitzvos, beginning with the Mivtzoim, which will hasten the time when Hashem Himself will carry out the greatest “Mivtza” – the true and complete Redemption. Bli neder, I will be giving out dollars to everyone as Chanukah gelt, and surely everyone will add more of their own.Sichah of Tuesday, second day of Chanukah, 5738 – after Mincha For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=16-12-2025

Today, we welcome Oswald Newbold, a certified mediator, conflict resolution specialist, and contributing author to the new book Breaking Chains, Building Futures: Pathways to Redemption, Education, and Excellence, edited by Dr. Stanley Andrisse and published by Wiley.Oswald's Website Oswald's Facebook page This powerful collection features first-hand stories from individuals impacted by incarceration — stories of struggle, triumph, and transformation. Oswald's own journey is especially compelling: sentenced to life at 20, he has emerged as a leader in mediation, education, and criminal justice reform.Through Breaking Chains, Building Futures, Oswald and his co-authors shed light on how redemption, education, and empathy can create real pathways toward healing and social change.Breaking Chains — Finding Purpose in PainOswald, your story in Breaking Chains, Building Futures is both raw and inspiring. What led you to share such a personal journey in this book, and what do you hope readers take away from it?From Lived Experience to LeadershipYou were sentenced to life at 20, and yet you've turned that experience into a lifelong mission to mediate conflict and help others rebuild their lives. What inspired you to take on a leadership role in reentry services and criminal justice reform?The Power of Education and MediationYour background in mediation and conflict resolution is remarkable — with a 90% success rate and now a youth program training young people as certified mediators. How did your own access to education, both formal and informal, shape your path toward healing and leadership?Collaboration and Creative ProcessThis book brings together deeply personal stories from many voices, under Dr. Stanley Andrisse's vision. What was it like to collaborate with other contributors on such emotionally charged material, and how did that creative process affect you?Building Futures — From Systemic Change to Personal HopeIn your view, what are the biggest barriers people face when reentering society after incarceration? And what gives you hope that we can create more equitable and effective pathways to redemption?You've built a career around conflict resolution — from prisons to communities to youth programs. What lessons from your time mediating behind the wall still guide you today?How do you maintain your own sense of balance, hope, and self-care while doing such emotionally demanding work?What does redemption mean to you now, both personally and professionally?For listeners who may be navigating their own second chances, or trying to turn pain into purpose — what's one message you'd like them to carry forward from your story?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.comAnd before you go, remember to download your free e-book of A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Homily of Fr. Mike O'Connor from Mass December 15, 2025 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, MS. Readings Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a Matthew 21:23-27 If you would like to donate to OLG and her livestream ministry, please go to https://olgchurch.net/give

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please subscribe!This series is made possible by the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing foundation initiatives, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a tax-deductible donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Baxie speaks with singer Rick Hughes! Since 1981 Rick has fronted the acclaimed Canadian metal band Sword. He also served as the lead singer for the band Saints & Sinners in the early 90's. Rick has just released his second solo album entitled “Redemption”. It's a record that includes performances from former Quiet Riot guitar player Rudy Sarzo, Brad Gillis of Night Ranger, drummer Tommy Aldrich from Whitesnake, and Robbie Kriger from The Doors! Very cool record! And a really great chat! Listen on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and on the Rock102 app! Brought to you by Metro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chicopee!

In this episode of Words of Grace, Pastor Benjamin Winslett takes us to Genesis 1–3 to consider the earliest proclamation of the gospel and God's promise of redemption. From the goodness of creation, to the fall of our first parents, Scripture reveals Christ as the Seed of the Woman who would crush the serpent's head. … Continue reading "Crushing the Head of the Serpent"

Sermon Series | Advent: The Arrival of Christ for an Anxious WorldTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link:  http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW

⚜️ A powerful snippet from the Man of Peace Podcast where German shares a raw testimony of transformation — from prison, addiction, violence, and cartel culture… to discovering God's purpose for his life. At 18 years old, German went to the penitentiary. Institutionalized, prideful, and convinced his future would end in death, prison, or the streets. Violence was normal. Prison was familiar. And hope felt nonexistent. But God met him inside the darkness. Little by little, God began reminding him: I've been there the whole time. I've always had a plan for you. Even with doubt. Even with unbelief. Even with a broken past. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Redemption doesn't require perfection — only a sincere heart willing to come home.

Join Pastor Ryan and Sean as they dive deeper into the Advent series in Ruth series and continue the conversation around Roots of Hope.Check out the Stories of Hope podcast:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPe4iZS-2t-r7AmWbx1RX9AN5M67rM9anStay in touch with us on Instagram | Facebook | Spotify - True Hope ChurchVisit our Website:https://www.truehopechurch.org

We celebrate Christmas because God sent His son into the world. But, who is Jesus, and what did He come to do?During Advent, we'll explore how Jesus fulfills four key roles: Prophet, Priest, King, and Savior. Each week reveals a new dimension of who He is and how we're called to live as people sent in His name.This week, Pastor Warren Williams out of Hebrews 1:8-9 .WEBSITETo learn more about Redemption Tempe, find ways to get involved,  or opportunities to serve, visit our website: https://tempe.redemptionaz.com.OUR APPDownload our app redtem.in/tempeappOR text "tempe app" to 77977STAY CONNECTEDFacebook:    / redemptiontempe.  .Twitter:    / redemptiontem  Instagram:    / redemptiontempe..  .GIVINGEverything we have is a gift from the Lord because He owns it all. Therefore giving should be a priority for us who have received all we have. Giving cheerfully, sacrificially, and consistently is a part of our worship.Give Online: https://pushpay.com/g/redemptiontempe

A single night in Scottsdale detonated a young cop's career and exposed the cracks he'd been papering over with bravado and alcohol. The handcuffs were real, the firing swift, and the shame deep. What followed wasn't a PR spin—it was a surrender. Drew walked away from the badge, got sober, took a massive pay cut to clean bathrooms and stack chairs at a church, and learned humility one unglamorous task at a time. He didn't find shortcuts; he found a spine built on obedience.To watch this episode, click here to watch: https://youtu.be/CCB9GT7jFdIYears later, a curveball: the bodycam from that arrest resurfaced and went viral, reawakening trolls and reopening wounds. Instead of lashing out, he chose grace, context, and community. Then came a call he didn't want: go back. Back to policing. Back to the place where his story broke. He requalified, sat through backgrounds, and watched his video circulate inside the very department considering him. Admin backed him. An FTO judged him by who he is, not who he was. Training flew by. Today, he serves as a school resource officer, meeting kids where they are—locker-lined hallways, cafeterias, and the fragile space between crisis and hope.We get into the hard parts: college party culture and its long tail, father wounds and why accountability matters, why “submit” might be the bravest word a man can live, and how faith reframes everything from homelessness and addiction to anger and authority. Drew argues that justice and compassion aren't enemies; they're twin rails that keep a community on track. He's candid about trolls, the cost of visibility, and the quiet strength it takes to be steady when everyone else is spiraling.If you've ever wondered whether a public failure can become a calling, or how a cop can carry both a badge and a broken heart for his city, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a second-chance story, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—what part of this journey challenged you to change?Send us a textSupport the showFollow Wild Chaos on Social Media: Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331 ⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcastBam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospodTikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thewildchaospodcastMeta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast For business inquiries, email us at: info@thewildchaos.com

Christmas declares that love has arrived—God loves you, is for you, and has come to live with you -  because you are the reason Jesus came!

It's Helen's birthday and Hal throws a surprise party, featuring the Justice League! Be sure to email us your thoughts or call/text us on our voice-mail at 708-LANTERN.

Advent: JoyDave Goffeney | December 14, 2025Redemption Tucson Church

Phil Svitek and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) dive into Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by debut author Emily Krempholtz, a warm, whimsical cozy fantasy romance about second chances, self-forgiveness, and the transformative power of community. We explore the novel's “grumpy × sunshine” dynamic, the slow-burn romance between Violet and Nathaniel, and the story's deeper moral questions about redemption, identity, guilt, and what it truly means to be a good person.For more on Emily's, visit: https://www.emilykrempholtz.com/ and check out our full interview episode with her (https://youtu.be/_EyFawvigds) for deeper insights into the making of this book!Up next in our Bookmarked series:-The Phantom Tollbooth - Norton Juster (Jan 2026) -Marisa pick (Feb 2026)-The Lost Bookshop – Evie Woods (Mar 2026)-Marisa pick (Apr 2026)-How to Solve Your Own Murder – Kristen Perrin (May 2026)

LESSON 349Today I Let Christ's Vision Look Upon All Things For Me And Judge Them Not,But Give Each One A Miracle Of Love Instead.So would I liberate all things I see, and give to them the freedom that I seek. For thus do I obey the law of love, and give what I would find and make my own. It will be given me, because I have chosen it as the gift I want to give. Father, Your gifts are mine. Each one that I accept gives me a miracle to give. And giving as I would receive, I learn Your healing miracles belong to me.Our Father knows our needs. He gives us grace to meet them all. And so we trust in Him to send us miracles to bless the world, and heal our minds as we return to Him.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Ruth 3Senior Pastor Nick Sandefur

In ⬇️Dive Here! Part 2, we'll leave the surface behind again and follow the Great I AM into the deeper depths of discipleship—where identity is formed, the mind is renewed, and God's energeia (His active, living power) comes alive within every disciple of Jesus. This is where faith moves beyond awareness into obedience, beyond belief into witness, and beyond comfort into calling. You'll hear the truth of God's eternal love in John 3:16, the personal entry point of salvation in Romans 10, the renewing work of Romans 12, the revealed glory of Jesus in the Gospels, and the sending force of the Great Commission. Whether you're seeking truth, newly awakened in Christ, growing deeper in faith, or discipling others—this episode calls you deeper, steadier, rooted, and closer to the heart of God. Go grab your tanks… and let's dive in! God's Word:Key Passages: John 3:16; Romans 10:8–10; Romans 12:2; Psalm 139:16–18; Philippians 2:13; John 16:13; Matthew 28:18–20. Additional Scripture references are woven throughout the Godcast and can be gleaned from the full transcript. Amen?Email: walkingtheway3@gmail.com

Join John Williams and Shaun Drummond for this weeks Golf News Update from "The 19th Hole" in the Williams Broadcasting Studio!

Think you know the Christmas story? Meet Ruth—a Moabite immigrant Matthew highlights in Jesus' genealogy. Her radical faith, her redemption, and her place in the Messiah's family reveal a side of Christmas we rarely see. If you've ever felt like an outsider, this message shows why God says: you belong.

Speaker: Tim Wilson

As we continue in our series, A Redemption Family Christmas, and through the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 6, Steven asks us to reflect on, “What is your family building? What is this church building? What is our nation building?” It takes a courageous leader, like young King Josiah, to reform a family, a church, or a nation. This weekend, we look to 2 Kings 22 and 23 to see how A Restored Family brings forth redemption and reformation.Website:www.experienceredemption.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/experienceredemptionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/experienceredemption

Dawn of the KingThe King in the Margins | Luke 2:1-20Jeremy Olimb // Lead Pastor

hunterpottery.com get your mugs today!  Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:Hebrews chapters 9 through 11 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this December 13th, Hunter guides us through day 348 of our year-long journey in the Scriptures. Today's episode invites listeners into the heart of Hebrews chapters 9 through 11, exploring the transformative power of faith and Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Hunter reflects on how the old covenant paved the way for the new—showing that the hope of believers isn't rooted in personal performance, but in the faithful work of God through Jesus. Along the way, you'll hear stories of ordinary men and women who lived by faith, prayers for peace, and encouragement to hold tightly to hope and to walk in God's purposes each day. Whether you're facing a time of challenge or moving forward in joy, this episode is here to remind you: you are loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Faith is our participation in God's purposes in this world. People of faith understand that the universe is created by God, that He is a good God, and that he rewards those who seek after Him. People of faith have hope not in their own performance, but in the performance of God. They hope not in their works, but in the completed work of Christ. People of faith recognize their need of God. Their reputation here in this world is rarely recognized, but they have a reputation somewhere else. They have a reputation with God as those who know and love Him and those who are known and loved by Him. God is not so much concerned about the quality of our faith as the object of our faith. Our faith is in Him. He's not asking us to conjure up more faith. No, He wants us to awaken to the One who was faithful, to put our trust in Him, in His ultimate faithfulness to the Father, in accomplishing all of the Father's purposes. And now our faith enables us to see that and to participate in what God is doing now here among us, to walk with Him and to continue to know and discover His heart—not only for us, but for the whole world. And the prayer of my own heart today is that I will walk by faith, that I will participate with Him in His purposes and His plan and in His joy. That's a prayer that I have for my family, too, for my wife, my daughters and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

we decided to dedicate this episode of the podcast to a topic that's both messy and powerful: redemption and second chances. in this episode, we talk through real-life examples, unpack what it actually means to see someone grow and change, and explore how to recognize when a second chance is deserved versus when boundaries need to stay in place. it's a conversation about the complexity of human relationships, the courage it takes to offer grace, and the unexpected ways redemption can show up when you least expect it. we dive into the messy, emotional, and ultimately hopeful process of giving people the opportunity to do better—and what that can teach all of us about empathy, trust, and forgiveness. Love you guys, Shawn and Andrew Nurture Life ▶ head to https://www.NurtureLife.com/EASTFAM and use code EASTFAM for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Branch Basics ▶ get yourself and your loved ones the gift of clean with Branch Basics. For a limited time only, our listeners get 15% off and free shipping on their premium Starter Pack when you use code EASTFAM at https://www.branchbasics.com/EASTFAM. Follow our podcast Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/ Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnson Follow My Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnjohnson Shop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnson Like the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnson Follow Andrew's Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/AndrewDEast Andrew's Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewdeast?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices