POPULARITY
Categories
Introduction: Do I Have the Will to Go On? Do I even have the will to go on with this episode? Well, hey there, welcome back. Do I even have the will to go on with this episode? Um, I do, but I also have something better. The Willpower Battery: Why “Raw Dogging” Change Fails Let’s talk about that. If you’ve read my book Because… First of all, thank you. But if you haven’t, let me give you a refresher on something that’s really important. If you’ve ever tried to lose weight or make a change in your life and you’ve ever just tried to raw dog it, meaning you think, okay, I’m just going to use sheer force of will to do this. I’m going to stop eating so much, I’m going to shove myself into the gym, I’m going to change jobs, I’m going to be more tolerant with this, that, and the other thing. And you’re like, hey, it works. But you’re also like, oh my god, I’m running out of… energy. Because willpower is a battery with finite energy. Well, fine, you say. I’m just going to increase that battery, right? Like you said Mark, if you repeat something, you can increase it. So I’ll just keep using more and more and more willpower. Burning Out: The Hidden Danger of Relying Solely on Willpower Well, that can create a really dangerous situation, first of all. So if you decided to go the pure willpower route, you would be doing what a lot of people do in their situations that they’re not happy with. They just say, I’m just going to focus harder and harder and harder. But the problem is if the problem or the change is something that requires an inordinate amount of energy, in other words, a huge amount of energy that perhaps you hadn’t planned on or even if you had planned on it, it’s a huge amount of energy that you simply may not have because you’re busy dealing with all the other things in your life. But let’s just say you do it. You put all this effort into making this change and it’s working and that sort of delights you. But you’re like… I’m burning out, I have nothing left for me and my family, I’m crabby now, it’s starting to change me in ways that I don’t like, I’m starting to compensate for it, and so forth. Monsters and Unicorns: The Subconscious Forces Controlling Your Habits See, everything that I’m describing are things that happen under the understanding of Because, the monsters and the unicorns. And what you’re simply doing is ignoring the monsters and unicorns in place. Well Mark, what should I do? you ask perhaps. Well, that’s look to the monsters and unicorns first. And that’s what I do. And that’s what I do when someone works with me. It doesn’t mean we don’t use willpower, we use willpower in everything, it takes willpower to make a decision to go against your monsters and unicorns. If you say, look, I certainly enjoy eating, and I enjoy lots of eating, and I enjoy multiple eating sessions and and all that stuff, it takes willpower to say, oh, I want to give up that pleasure, I want to give up that comfort, right? Well, now you’re going against your unicorn. Diagnosing Your Coping Mechanisms: Are You Protecting Yourself From Pain? Well, instead of taking it that way, you’re kind of doing it backwards. What you should be doing is examining the unicorn itself. Are you really deriving that much pleasure, or are you deriving pleasure from something else? Is it a certain avoidance that allows you to have the pleasure? Or maybe by eating a lot and too much and often and too fast and so and so forth… you’re being forced to do that because you have a monster that is protecting you from pain. Maybe you believe that if you do all these things, these unhealthy eating habits, it will actually protect you from pain, even though it’s going to make you live shorter and make your life less happy. The “Aha” Moment: Triggering Lasting Psychological Change And as soon as you have that realization, as soon as that hits home, now your monsters and unicorns have literally just altered in your system. Just that one sentence I just said. If you’re like, well yeah, oh, wait a second. That’s when change happens. That’s when change happens in people, that’s when change happens in coaching. Because if you don’t do that, then it’s just cheerleading. Whether it’s you cheerleading yourself or someone else is being paid to cheerlead you. And I will tell you, I don’t get paid to cheerlead. I don’t want to get paid to cheerlead. I want to get paid to diagnose, to guide, and to help. Self-Examination and the Unseen Programs Running Your Life So this was a fast one. We’re not even at five minutes and I already switched to the portion of the episode in which I say, okay, now we recognize this, what do we do? Boom, already gave you that. Now, does everyone who is wildly successful or really successful at something go through this? Well, typically they’re not even aware of their monsters and unicorns, typically they just work. In fact, as I use in the case of Michael Phelps, he had both a monster and a unicorn for staying in the pool. He didn’t decide that, he didn’t consciously go, I would like to stay in this pool because it helps me with my ADHD. He just noticed that being in the pool helped him with his ADHD. And the same thing happens in your life. We typically don’t do a lot of self-examination. Well, most people don’t. I do that all the time, which is why I come up with this, but… you typically don’t do that, you go through life with all these programs running and you think, okay, well I I don’t know, look, I don’t know, and we have control mechanisms in place, we have safeties in our psyche that prevent us typically from pulling apart the cover and poking around in all the wires and gears and things. Understandably so, just like in a car, has a hood, it has caps, and has protective seals on lots of things, so does your psyche, for good reasons. And sometimes it’s not for such good reasons. You have childhood trauma or other kinds of trauma, you may have a protective shield around it because you’re not dealing with it. I don’t want to go there. Right? You have something that’s happened to you and you’re just not going there, which is why you don’t see the psychologist that people tell you to see. Or why you don’t even talk about something. Oh, that’s off limits with Bill. Don’t even go there. Right? Moving Beyond Cheerleading: Why You Need a Safe System for Transformation We all know we’ve encountered people like this. We all know we are people like this. If you work with a psychologist or a coach that has a system in place and puts you in a special place that allows you to feel comfortable enough to talk through things. And just being comfortable and talking about things isn’t enough, you have to have a system in place. You can’t just be brought bare in front of a stranger and talk about your hopes, dreams, aspirations, and everything that hurts you. That’s going to hurt. And that’s going to be difficult. So you need to have something in place. You need to know, you need to tell yourself, hey, we’re going to be looking under this cover, but we’re going to do it gently, we’re going to do it with care and respect for ourselves. Next Steps: Explore the Podcast Catalog and the ‘Because’ Framework Your first step in that, frankly, is to listen to podcast episodes like this. And I present my entire catalog of 300 plus episodes. And yes, I’ll stop saying that when we get to 400 plus episodes. But listen through them, listen through them in the 10 or 15 minutes it takes you to listen to them while you’re doing a chore, while you’re in the car… and just think. Think in the safety of your own mental space. And then when you want to learn more, pick up a copy of Because. It’s not that expensive, it’s a short read, but it is packed with information and citations from other books, medical journals, and things like that. And you can always go down your own rabbit holes to make sure that I’m telling you what I say I’m telling you. Finding Your Monsters and Unicorns But I’ll tell you, the moment you discover a monster or a unicorn in place and you go, oh… wait a second. He doesn’t belong there. Sure, he has a useful function, but not there… that’s going to be your aha moment. And all of a sudden, you’ll want to know more, and all of a sudden you’ll want to find all the monsters and unicorns you can. And if you want my help, all you have to do is reach out. You can go on my Calendly, which is a hard word to say, and schedule a 15-minute free appointment and we can have a nice chat about it and see if we’re a fit. And if not, just read some more books and do your due diligence. Conclusion and Resources Wow, this was fun. Thanks for listening as always. And as always, I have a tremendous amount of resources for you. Please, by all means, check out all my goodies. Go to alchemyforme, alchemyforlife, and markbradford.org. And take care of yourself, please. Thank you. Thank you for listening as always, go to markbradford.org to see all my author related things, go to alchemyfor.life to see coaching, speaking, writing, and this podcast. And go to alchemyfor.me to get a copy of CheckMark™
Palestine. Ukraine. Iran. Chick-fil-A. Kellogg's. TikTok. Target. As society jumps from cause and boycott to protest and cause, where do you stand? In an honest examination of the cause society - and the social pressures that go with it, join Apostle Dr. Lee Ann Marino live at Sanctuary Charlotte for a serious look at the ways society exposes itself through its criticisms of all things - and what you can do to seriously bring about change in your own life. (Intro and Conclusion Track "Fire ball" by Yvgeniy Sorokin, https://pixabay.com/users/eugenemyers-40510887/. Empire Transport Track "The Beauty of Green Legends" by DTXN1,https://pixabay.com/users/dtxn1-42017842/.)
Imagine a life of faithful church attendance, Bible reading, and devoted service — only to one day discover that the works you built were consumed by fire, reduced to ash, because they were constructed on something other than a fully surrendered heart. In this sobering and Spirit-stirring episode, Keneesha Saunders Liddie calls us to do something most of us quietly avoid: look honestly in the mirror. Not just to see what's there, but to do something about it. Because self-examination without repentance and return is just self-awareness — and God calls us to so much more. Drawing from the grief-soaked book of Lamentations, Keneesha points to Jerusalem in ruins — a people whose neglect of God's goodness, whose murmuring and complaining, had left them exposed to judgment and devastation. The haunting question she raises for each of us is this: are we sitting in our comfortable filth longer than we should? The good news is that the same God who allowed Jerusalem's ruin also made a way for its restoration. He is calling us back — to examine our ways, to test our hearts, and to return to Him so He can restore, cleanse, and renew us. Today's Bible Verse "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." — Lamentations 3:40, NIV Ponder Today Self-examination is not optional for the believer — it's a daily discipline. We are called not merely to reflect on our condition but to act on what we find, returning fully to the Lord from whatever is hindering us. Looking in the mirror means nothing if you walk away unchanged. James warns that hearing the Word without doing it is self-deception. The goal of honest self-examination is always repentance and return — not just recognition. Murmuring and complaining reveal a heart that has stopped noticing God's goodness. Jerusalem's downfall began with neglecting to reflect on what God had done. Gratitude is not just a spiritual discipline — it is a safeguard against spiritual drift. We often stand in the way of our own restoration. When we choose to sit in comfortable sin rather than return to God, we delay the very healing and renewal He is ready to bring. Don't stay in the ruins longer than you need to. God inhabits the praises of His people. Even in the middle of trials and difficulty, turning complaint into praise is not denial — it is an act of faith that invites God's presence into your circumstances. A Prayer for You Today Heavenly Father, I humbly bow before You, first thanking You for Your goodness toward me. Search me, O God — if there is any wicked way within me, restore me to You. Forgive me for everything I have done against You, and reveal the places in my life where my motives and intentions have been wrong. Draw me back to You. Help me to praise You when I feel like complaining, and give me the wisdom to turn my difficulties into worship. I want to live a life fully surrendered to You — examining myself often, so that my life may reflect holy consecration unto You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer stirred a desire for a deeper, more honest walk with God, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to keep your heart surrendered and your faith growing every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Raj Prakash Paul || The Lord's Church India
As believers are commanded to do a self-examination of our faith, we'll learn 4 tests that God unveils to us in His Word. God tells us to “examine yourselves.” Have we really been born again? To examine yourself means more than surface reflection—it's a sincere, Holy Spirit–led evaluation of your faith in Jesus Christ. It's… The post Self-Examination appeared first on Calvary Chapel At The Cross.
Visit www.joniradio.org for more inspiration and encouragement! --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Isa. 1:12–20 1 Cor. 11:17–34 What is self-examination? Some Christians are so unfamiliar with it that they never do it. Others feel they've only done it if they feel spiritually discouraged. But self-examination is an aid to assurance, not a weapon to destroy it. In this message, we explore the call to self-examination and how it prepares us to receive Christ's body and blood.
Inquire whether you do not from time to time injure and defraud those with whom you deal. Are your ways with your neighbor altogether just, such as will bear a trial by the strict rules of the Word of God, or such as you can justify before God? Are you a faithful person? May your neighbors depend on your word? Are you strictly and firmly true to your trust, or anything with which you are betrusted, and which you undertake? Or do you not by your conduct plainly show, that you are not conscientious in such things?
Do you not see your neighbor suffer, and pinched with want, and you, although sensible of it, harden your hearts against him, and are careless about it? Do you not in such a case, neglect to inquire into his necessities, and to do something for his relief? Is it not your manner to hide your eyes in such cases, and to be so far from devising liberal things, and endeavoring to find out the proper objects and occasions of charity, that you rather contrive to avoid the knowledge of them? Are you not apt to make objections to such duties, and to excuse yourselves?
We should be strict to inquire whether or no we have not hitherto allowed ourselves in some or other sinful way, through wrong principles and mistaken notions of our duty. Whether we have not lived in the practice of some things offensive to God, through want of care and watchfulness, and observation of ourselves. We should be concerned to know whether we live not in some way which doth not become the profession we make. And whether our practice in some things be not unbecoming Christians, contrary to Christian rules, not suitable for the disciples and followers of the holy Jesus, the Lamb of God.
In Episode 109 of 2 Minute Disciple, host Nick Oyler leads a contemplative devotional through Matthew 7:1–6 — Jesus' searingly honest and almost comical image of a person with a log in their own eye, squinting to locate the tiny speck in someone else's. Judgment often masquerades as concern. But Jesus invites us to do the hard, humbling work of examining our own hearts first.
Coulter Teel - Self Examination
I had the wonderful opportunity to lead candlelight at a local revival. We spent the evening reflect on the history of communion and Paul's words to the church of Corinth.
BIBLE STUDY| MIRACLES OF JESUS SERIES.|THE FIFTH MIRACLE OF JESUS pt.25| THE POWER OF RETREAT|JESUS WALKING ON WATER| CHIMDI OHAHUNA In this 25th session of the Fifth Miracle of Jesus Bible Study on the GRACELIFECOMI Podcast, a powerful and refreshing perspective on prayer is brought to light, one that redefines how believers relate with God in moments of pressure, pain, and inner conflict. This teaching centers on the Hebrew concept *Ciak*, a rich expression that goes beyond speaking to God, revealing prayer as a thoughtful, intentional act of pondering, communing, and vocalizing the realities of the heart. Here, prayer is presented not merely as structured devotion, but as a sincere and reverent “complaint” offered to God. Drawing from scriptural patterns and practical insight, this session establishes that expressing grief, pain, and discontent before God is not weakness, it is an invitation into divine fellowship. From the Psalms of King David to the instruction given in Exodus, believers are guided to understand the difference between godly complaint and destructive murmuring. With clarity and depth, this episode emphasizes the discipline of inward conversation, how speaking rightly within oneself forms the foundation for meaningful communication with God. It highlights the necessity of a renewed mind, a guarded heart, and a Word-based approach to prayer that produces strength rather than frustration. Listeners will come away with a grounded understanding that prayer is not noise, it is intentional engagement with God, shaped by truth, self-awareness, and spiritual alignment. Key Highlights: ✓ Understanding “Ciak”: Prayer as pondering, meditating, and speaking truthfully before God. ✓ Prayer as Complaint: A biblical framework for expressing grief, pain, and discontent with reverence and order. ✓ Davidic Pattern of Expression: Learning from the Psalms how to communicate honestly with God. ✓ Complaint vs Murmuring: Why God welcomes honest expression but rejects grumbling (Exodus 15:24). ✓ The Ministry of Self-Conversation: The role of inward dialogue in spiritual stability and clarity (Psalm 4:4). ✓ Renewing the Mind: Aligning thoughts with truth to ensure meaningful communion (Romans 12:2). ✓ Guarding the Heart: Why self-communion determines God-communion (Proverbs; Jeremiah 15:16). ✓ Self-Examination as a Lifestyle: Biblical instruction for personal assessment and spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 11:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5). ✓ Word-Based Complaint: Framing your expressions in alignment with God's Word for effective prayer. ✓ Practical Leading of the Lord: How inward clarity produces confidence in divine direction. Prayer is not the suppression of emotions, it is their proper presentation before God. When believers learn to ponder rightly, speak truth within, and align their expressions with God's Word, prayer becomes a transformative encounter that builds strength, clarity, and unwavering persuasion. This session offers a compelling call to mature not just in sound, but in substance. Listen now to the full audio teaching on the GRACELIFECOMI Podcast. Kindly, stay updated on future episodes of this enriching series!. Any questions arising from this study can be submitted to chimdiohahunaministry@gmail.com. Check our bio to know how to give your love offerings to the ministry. Jesus is Lord.
By Donald Hooser - Examinations are a fact of life. They can be part of education or to determine health. Examination is an important part of the Christian lifestyle. We examine ourselves, the Bible, and God with the goal of becoming more and more like Jesus Christ.
God desires His people to live lives of holiness, discernment, and self-discpline.
If your dog goes to heaven, will she see Jesus as a dog? Kaitlyn and Mike explore what the Bible actually says about animals, God's care for creation, and whether the pets we love might be part of the new creation. They tackle why Jesus became human and why that particular, embodied humanity still matters today. The conversation leads to a bigger question many adults quietly assume: is Jesus whoever we want him to be? And what happens when the real Jesus challenges the version we've made in our own image. 0:00 - Theme Song 1:05 - Will Jesus Look Like a Dog to Dogs? 5:04 - God Loves Animals 12:11 - Is Jesus Still Human? 19:00 - Sponsor - Toups and Co Organics - Simplify your routine and feel good about what you put on your skin. Get 25% off your first order with code KAITLYN at https://www.toupsandco.com/KAITLYN 20:18 - Sponsor - World Relief - Partner with World Relief in creating safety, stability and belonging for refugees and immigrants at https://www.worldrelief.org/KAITLYN 21:32 - Jesus Isn't All Things 29:53 - Self-Examination 33:52 - End Credits
The Lord's Supper serves three essential purposes that make it far more than a simple ritual. First, it calls believers to remember Christ's death, keeping the cross central in their minds and hearts. Second, it prompts self-examination, inviting believers to confess sin and recommit to faithful living. Third, it points toward Christ's promised return, bridging the gap between His first coming and His glorious second coming. Only those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ should participate, as meaningful remembrance requires a personal relationship with Him. This sacred meal demonstrates pure grace - just as the elements are provided freely, Christ provides everything necessary for salvation. The reverence surrounding the Lord's Supper reflects its sacred nature and calls believers to examine their lives, walk in obedience, and eagerly anticipate Christ's return.
By Michael Douthett - Preparing for Passover calls us to a thoughtful, prayerful self‑examination of our inner character, our relationships with others, and our relationship with God. We do this so that we may approach the observance with humility, sincerity, and a renewed commitment.
Comparison can quietly destroy your life. Most of us default to upward comparison… we fixate on what everyone else has that we don't. And we rarely do the opposite - noticing what we've built, what we've survived, and what other people would trade places with us for in a second.That's why you can feel behind even when you're not. You end up measuring your life with a broken ruler...curated highlights, imaginary timelines, and a brain that's wired to obsess over what's missing. Comparison keeps you stuck.In this episode, I'm joined by Greg Everett, coach, author, and founder of Catalyst Athletics, to unpack why comparison is dangerous, how social media amplifies it, and how money and “success metrics” can quietly hijack your self-worth. We also talk about what to do when you genuinely feel lost or behind, including building a personal “touchstone” to measure real progress, using journaling to clear the mental noise, and creating intentional quiet time so your mind can actually reset.This episode will help you change your life by helping you to stop comparing yourself to others.Greg Everett is a coach, author, and the founder of Catalyst Athletics, known for his work in strength training and long-term athlete development.Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction(00:47) Why We Compare(01:39) Social Media Highlights Trap(04:03) Money and Self Worth(08:02) Work Hours and Meaning(11:15) Hustle Culture Burnout(12:52) Scams and False Promises(16:06) Building Sustainably(17:21) Authenticity Over Trends(23:55) Choose Your Exhaustion(24:58) No Finish Line(26:41) Hard Truths of Self-Examination(27:39) Finding Your Touchstone(29:22) Overstimulation and Distraction(35:05) Dopamine Withdrawal in Nature(38:39) Staying the Course When Behind(42:31) Journaling to Get Unstuck(46:53) Quiet Downtime for Clarity(49:11) Lessons From Career Detours(51:48) Advice to My 18-Year-Old Self(53:04) Where to Find Greg(53:48) Final ThanksGet the FREE Move Your Mind Masterclass here:go.nickbracks.com/moveyourmindAccess FREE Move Your Mind training here:https://go.moveyourmind.io/trainingConnect with Nick:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickbracksWebsite: http://nickbracks.comEmail: contact@nickbracks.comConnect with Greg:Website: https://www.greg-everett.com/about/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catalystathletics/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chaplain, coach, and author Dean Abbott joins me for a thought-provoking conversation about the difference between healthy introspection and unhealthy rumination. Dean challenges a popular argument that therapy simply encourages people to think about themselves too much, making the case instead that people don't ruminate for fun — they ruminate because they're in pain and searching for something they've lost.Together we explore what makes self-examination productive versus destructive, and Dean introduces a framework rooted in the Christian tradition that contrasts nihilistic rumination — where a person endlessly rehearses their pain with no resolution — with a more structured self-examination oriented toward growth, virtue, and wisdom. I get personal and share my own recent struggles with loneliness and the tension between being a generous host and not getting that energy back when I need it most. Dean walks me through what healthy self-examination would look like in that situation, pointing to the importance of recognizing our legitimate needs and having the courage and honesty to express them.We also dive into the lost concept of human formation, the role of moral education in therapy, why thousands of years of wisdom literature shouldn't be abandoned in the counseling room, and the difference between development and formation. This is a rich, honest, and deeply human conversation.Dean Abbott is a coach, chaplain and author living in the Midwest. He loves animals, music and baseball. His can be found at www.deanabbott.com. His X account which has been hacked is @deanabbott but he doesn't recommend following him until the situation is resolved.[00:00:00] Start[00:00:49] Stephanie Introduces Dean Abbott[00:02:07] Healthy Versus Unhealthy Introspection[00:03:47] Why the "Stop Ruminating" Argument Falls Short[00:05:09] People Don't Ruminate for Fun[00:07:13] The Missing Half: Why Culture Fails the Ruminative Mind[00:08:16] Nihilistic Rumination Versus Christian Self-Examination[00:10:20] Stephanie Gets Personal About Loneliness[00:13:00] Walking Through Healthy Self-Examination[00:15:40] Tension Between Generosity and Personal Needs[00:17:33] Wisdom Over Rule-Following in the Christian Life[00:19:20] What Leads to Wisdom Versus What Leads to Nihilism[00:21:45] Healthy Introspection Leads to Hope[00:24:01] Coaching Men Who Don't Know What They Want[00:27:35] Emotional Intelligence and Decoding Our Needs[00:29:22] The Lost Concept of Human Formation[00:32:15] Formation Versus Development[00:36:07] Virtue and the Difference It Makes in Self-Examination[00:38:25] What's Wrong With a Liberal Approach to Psychotherapy[00:41:43] Seeing Yourself in the Larger Human Narrative[00:43:26] Moral Education in Therapy: A Practical Example[00:44:32] The Sports Betting Example: Virtue and Deep Self-Examination[00:48:21] Why Reality Is Inescapably Moral[00:50:26] Stephanie Asks for a Personal Tip on Virtue[00:53:00] What Dean Does: Coaching, Chaplaincy, and Writing[00:56:38] ClosingROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Now featuring 24/7 personalized AI support implementing the tools with RepairBot! Use code SOMETHERAPIST2026 to take 50% off your first month.PODCOURSES: use code SOMETHERAPIST at LisaMustard.com/PodCoursesTALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
I. The Standard of our Examination II. The Depth of our Examination III. The End of our Examination
Hebrews 12:17 — Esau wanted the blessing back but was rejected after examination. Our choices matter. Weekly biblical encouragement and Spiritual Reflections from Frank Julian Ministries. Grow in faith at frankjulianministries.com
"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:5) The importance of self-examination cannot be overemphasized. A Christian cannot be faithful without the practice. How are we to examine ourselves?
Summary In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss, John Yeager, and Rev. Beth Crissman engage in a profound discussion about the ongoing conversation surrounding peace, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2026 Peace Conference. They explore the theme of 'Disarming Hatred' and the importance of practicing peace as a form of resistance in a world filled with division and hatred. The conversation delves into the historical context of hatred, the difference between worldly peace and the peace of Jesus, and the necessity of community and individual action in fostering compassion and understanding. The speakers emphasize the importance of preparation for the conference, including self-reflection and partnership in advocacy for peace. Show Notes: Peace Conference: March 13-15, 2026 Lake Junaluska, NC Chapters 00:00 The Ongoing Conversation About Peace 01:25 Introducing the 2026 Peace Conference 02:04 Changes and Continuities in the Peace Conference 04:44 The Historical Context of Hatred 06:09 Shifting the Narrative from Hate to Compassion 08:44 The Illusion of Peace in History 10:35 Jesus' Peace vs. Worldly Peace 12:21 The Long Road to Shalom 13:34 Disarming Hatred: A Call to Action 15:41 Understanding the Roots of Division 18:16 Self-Examination and the Danger of Hatred 20:30 Preparing for the Peace Conference 23:04 The Role of Anger in Advocacy 26:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 34:48 MOG-Like and Subscribe.mp4
Equipping Hour | Avenues for Spiritual Formation | Self-Examination by OrlandoGrace
By Anthony Scott - In preparation for the Passover there are many tools God provided to us. One of these tools is the Holy Spirit, the power of God.
By Mary Lindow I am by far not an expert on the subject of plumblines and righteousness, so take what I say in the light of one who at time gropes like a child in the dark, ever reaching for the hand of the ONE to lead me into a safe place filled with His Hope, His Mercy, His Light and Life. WE LIVE IN A CORRUPT WORLD and therefore, have the “effects and affects” of that corruption ever influencing, ever tainting and ever wooing the flesh. Plumbline: a tool that consists of a small, heavy object attached to a string or rope and that is used especially to see if something (such as a wall) is perfectly vertical or in alignment) A plumbline is a simple but accurate tool used for determining whether or not something is perfectly vertical or upright. The Lord also used, and uses, a "plumbline," His Word, to determine how upright His people truly are in His sight. How upright they think they are, or how upright they proclaim themselves to be, means nothing to God. "Behold, I WILL set a plumbline in the midst of My people". -Amos 7:7 A PLUMBLINE SET OUT BY THE HAND OF GOD IS ONE THAT WE CAN ANCHOR OUR HEARTS TO. It will always, always, ALWAYS, direct us to the truth in a matter; even if it requires pain, loss, persecution and perhaps death in areas we feel we may well have rights to. It will also be a shield, a balm, a comfort and a teacher to those who will yield to the directive positioning of the Master. “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumbline.” -Isaiah 28:17 LIFE – DISTRESS - AND PERSECUTION I have found that in my life, distress and persecution do not feel like God's care being poured out on me. My heart is not immediately drawn to thanksgiving and gratefulness for the faithfulness of God on display as I cling to the battered pieces that look like potential “rafts” of hope, only to find out that many of them have gaping holes or slow leaks in them. Rather, it feels like yet another hurt is being permanently woven into my tattered and war-torn soul. It seems as if another mound of questions are piling up and just waiting for an answer and a true solid REAL anchor of hope. I CAN REALLY CONNECT TO THE WRITER OF PSALM 42 He said “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” It's at those very times that the words of the Savior are so important. When we are down and in turmoil. But, how do we connect the dots between what we know is true about God's faithfulness and what our hearts feel? When flipped and flung around by the waves, weary from crying and when no answer seems at hand, what is the answer? When my circumstances show many foes and tyrants rising up against me and my heart is prone to wander and fear, what hope is there of peace? When my feelings start controlling my thoughts, how can I rest in God's promises? AT THIS POINT… I HEAR THE “GASPS” … …And perhaps shocked comments of a few who are amazed that someone who appears to walk so fervently and intimately with the Lord would have such difficulties! Well! Guess what? I do struggle, I do hurt, and yes I do doubt when I have been side swiped or “rammed” by skilled cons and those who, although may have the appearance of godliness and offered friendship or fellowship, end up having private and evil agendas behind their well placed and planned schemes. And boy oh boy! Those skilled players know the wicked art of wounding the heart and causing people to reel in pain! BUT, THERE IS ONE WHO FULLY SEES IT ALL The main skill in the issue of dealing with life as a spiritual person, is to know how to handle yourself when things not only crush and grind your heart, but what to do with the anguish and toll of their aftermath. We have to get ourselves into a place where we hear clearly again. We need have to address ourselves, preach to ourselves, and ask questions about ourselves. We must say to our soul: "Why are you cast down –Why are you so anxious and lacking in peace?" We must urge ourselves, and say ‘Hope in God'–instead of remaining in this paralyzed, aching state!” AND THEN WE MUST TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER We must go on to remind ourselves just “Who “God is, and what God is and what God has done, and what God has promised that he Himself said that He would do. Having done that we can stand up and sing out strongly, defying the torment of the soul, and resist other people's wicked tongues and arrogance, and refuse to go along with the devil and the whole world, and say: ‘Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” The hope and promise of the fairness of God's justice when dealing with the hurtful things and presumptions of others gives me the confidence to know that God will never turn away from me in my need. No matter how they seem to prosper in the short term, wicked men and women will ultimately pay for their sins, in this life or the next. Jesus died to meet my greatest hardships and sorrows for me, and I need to preach this to myself every day. His power is greater than my weariness and suffering. The comforting and instruction that comes from simply running to feed upon His word instead of the toxic poison of the replaying of trauma reminds me that what Jesus has done is strong enough for my soul to rejoice in and to be set into a place where it can rest and regroup, gaining a healthy perspective about what to give out to others and what is simply… …. To be enjoyed by the Lord Himself. THE NATURAL IMPULSES OF MANKIND ARE SINFUL AND DECEITFUL! Human willpower alone will never be able to change this. We need God's help to truly change our hearts. REMEMBER. You cannot change the heart of anyone else either. If you try to, you will feel the bite of stinging venom or be laughed out of a room. Only the power of the conviction of the Holy Spirit can permeate and get around the jam-packed hardhearted egos of the self sufficient and bitter. Jeremiah 17:9 says that the human heart is deceitful in all things and is even beyond cure! We must be cautious and wise in reproving and warning such types of people about their bad behaviors and wicked actions where there seems to be no appearance or hope of change and where there is danger of experiencing great and heart wrecking retaliation and slander. These types trample the warnings and urging for repentance and humbling of the heart under their feet, and turn again and slash at you, despising the warnings that are “tearfully and fearfully” given, and often hurt the persons who give them, either by words or deeds. "Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don't throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.” -Matthew 7:6 "GIVE ME THE FACTS MA'AM JUST THE FACTS” I remember that phrase from a TV show called “Dragnet”. The detective would not allow the details of the case to be skewed by any assumptions or pontificating from those he interviewed. He stoically and firmly demanded only the facts. And so, here are the “facts” about the heart of a good man or woman. 1.) The good man or woman: Brings good things out of the good stored up in his/her heart. And the facts about an evil man or woman. 2.) The evil man/woman brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his/her heart. For out of the overflow of his or her heart his or her mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 THE FRAILTY, BRIEFNESS, AND INSECURITY OF LIFE The frailty, briefness, and insecurity of life should hold down the vanity and presumptuous confidence of all of our projects and boasting about future greatness and bragging rights! We are always to depend on the will and leading of God. OUR TIMES ARE NOT IN OUR OWN HANDS, BUT ARE INSTEAD IN THE TIMING OF GOD. Our heads may be filled with cares and plans for ourselves, or our families, or our friends; but Divine intervention often throws our plans into bewilderment. All we have in mind, and all we do, should be with a humble and deep dependence on God. It is foolish, and it is hurtful, to boast of trendy “latest happening” things and prospective projects, and it will bring great disappointment and will prove destructive to relationships and meaningful help to others in the end. “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” -1 John 2:16 LISTEN KINDLY - BEFORE SPEAKING YOUR THOUGHTS People don't need a lecture on the meaning of suffering or to have a barrage of scriptures “machine-gunned” at them as a reprimand for sharing their moment of grief or struggle! (Especially when their hearts are breaking, weary of the battle and if they are fatigued.) Job could have done without some of the self-righteous answers that came from his “well-meaning” friends. All of the answers could have even been true, but Job didn't need to hear any of them. He needed their love, not their value judgments. In fact, it appears as if God judged THEM for trying to offer simple solutions to things that were beyond their comprehension. They had never walked in the loss he was in anguish over. WHEN WE SUFFER UNJUSTLY WE HAVE A MAJOR CHOICE TO MAKE How will we respond? We can feel sorry for ourselves (and understandably so, for a while), become bitter and cynical, get drawn into a war of words, or even become mixed up in a major conflict. On the other hand, we can take our suffering to the cross and allow our pain to draw us into a deeper place of understanding of what Jesus went though in his sufferings. This does not remove the pain, but does help us to know what to do with our hurt. This is the 'fellowship of his sufferings' (Philippians 3:10), one of the gateways to closeness with God and the release of his power in our lives. The weight of heartbreak shared with a loving friend cuts it in half. When the burden is shared with many friends, we can cope with almost anything. We never feel more revitalized than when a friend loves us enough to walk with us in our pain. Not lecture us. The apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God". -1 Corinthians 1.3-4 SOMETIMES GOD GETS INVOLVED WITH DIRECT MIRACLES, Giving supernatural strength to those in need. But for the most part, he depends on us, his people, to do his work in the world. We love each other, work for healing, and suffer with those who suffer. The next time you see a friend who is suffering, Jesus may just invite you to be the warm embrace! We comfort each other with the comfort we have received in Christ. And when we do, we become the Body of Christ and he receives the glory! THE BIBLE IS CLEAR! We are to bear one another's burdens. We are to comfort others as Christ has given comfort to us. Your hard time becomes my hard time. We join hands in the journey. When you succeed, I succeed. When you suffer, I suffer. But we do it together. We share it together. And we do it, not so much in our wisdom or our words, but in our availability, our understanding, and through our presence. THAT'S WHAT FELLOWSHIP IS ALL ABOUT! But not “bland” fellowship. It is CHRISTIAN fellowship. It is the business of burden bearing. Authentic CHRISTIAN fellowship says that when you need me . . . I'll be there. Support in suffering is at the core of what it means to share life together in Christ. The word for "comfort” is the same root word as the name Jesus used to describe one of the functions of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Paraclete). “I will be a comforter, one who comes alongside to give help.” And so as God comes alongside you, now you are able to come alongside another. As the Comforter is at work within you, so you also can be of comfort to those around you. WE ARE CALLED TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS. To mourn with those who mourn. To be a follower of Jesus means to come alongside people who are hurting and find ways to help them walk even through the valley of the shadow of death. We are called to do this, as the word of God and care of God is shared with the intention of stirring, plowing up hardened hearts, creating a place for repentance and challenging saints to hope again, I know and believe that as we learn again as believers, to care, to truly listen and to hope fully again, that the sweet and heavy weight of HIS Glory will be made known and will manifest in unfettered and uncontrolled waves of worship and spontaneous adoration of the King of Heaven. HE REALLY DOES KNOW WHAT HE WANTS Let's focus on bowing low and seeking His heart and plans in what matters to Him. Indeed, HE is the Plumbline. Prayer God, I ask in Jesus' name, that you comfort, strengthen and encourage all who are hurting deeply right now and are going through so much pain and heartache. Don't allow them to give up in the heat of the battle. Let them feel your arms wrapping around them and your love overflowing and filling them up. Lord, I will pray often and I know that you will hear my voice, even when I speak to You in my silent thoughts. To You, I am crying out and my prayers are now before You. Father, I give to You my problems, I do not want them. Father, please restore them to You. I know that you have compassion for your children. Father, show them your ways and teach them your paths. Lead them in your truth and teach them you are the God of our salvation and on you we will wait. Protect them from the evils of this life and guide them through all of their days. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer Father and for considering and for having compassion on all who hear and read these words, and all who hurt, in this troubled world we live in. Keep them in the center of Your love. In Jesus' Name ~ Amen Duplication and sharing of this message is welcomed provided that complete article, podcast link and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You Copyright © 2026 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com https://marylindow.podbean.com Your Gracious Support and Donations Are So Very Helpful And Assist Mary In Publishing Her Teaching Podcasts and Audio Messages. THANK YOU! Please go to PAYPAL to donate or support this blog: Donate to the tax-deductible ministry name of: paypal.me/mlindow (His Beloved Ministries Inc.) Or You Can Mail a Check or Cashiers Check to: His Beloved Ministries INC PO Box 1253 Eastlake CO 80614 United States
You're going to enjoy this. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/Cx1YPXoq6aQ LEARN about Sean McCormick - seanmccormick.com Evolution of memes, the impact of social media, and the importance of authenticity in communication. They discuss the challenges of censorship, the role of AI in content creation, and the significance of self-examination and personal growth 02:55 The Power of Memes 06:14 Censorship and Cultural Trends 08:54 Navigating AI and Content Creation 11:47 The Role of Honesty in Content 14:55 Personal Experiences with Vaccines and Weed 17:50 The Nature of Addiction and Escapism 20:56 The Pursuit of Truth and Awareness 23:51 Cultural Reflections and Personal Growth 26:46 Conclusion and Future Directions 35:57 The Hero's Journey and Self-Examination 37:01 Awakening and Consciousness 38:28 Tools for Self-Discovery 40:43 The Power of Float Tanks 43:46 Do It for the Plot 48:55 The Importance of Novelty 52:15 Curiosity and Risk-Taking 56:34 Navigating Truth in a Polarized World 01:07:32 The Evolution of Podcasting and Influencers 01:11:36 The Impact of Joe Rogan on the Float Industry 01:15:32 The Need for Authenticity in Media 01:16:01 The Dangers of Pornography and Its Cultural Impact 01:24:52 Detoxification and the Importance of Inner Work 01:32:53 The Journey Within: Finding Your Inner Self LEARN about Sean McCormick - seanmccormick.com I've
Come Follow Me: Abiding & ScripturePastor Leah CarolanTEXT: John 17:14-19KEY VERSE – Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (vs. 17)1. What is Scripture?Two Testaments/Covenants of 66 booksDivinely Inspired 2. What is the Word [logos]?All of God's spoken divine thoughts, wills, emotions released in His speech.Jesus3. What happens when we engage in Scripture?Self-ExaminationSpiritual EncounterGuidance and ConvictionTransformation 4. How can we engage with Scripture?Read it.Write it.Say it.Sing it.Pray it.SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 5:14 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.SCRIPTURE: John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 4 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.SCRIPTURE: John 15:55 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.NEXT STEPS1. Name your quiet place and time: 2. Name your spiritual practices: 3. Engage with one scripture verse this week using the Read it, Write it, Say it, Sing it, Pray it method.
St. Isaac the Syrian is not offering speculation about the afterlife. He is unveiling the inner logic of existence itself, now and forever. He begins, characteristically, not with heaven, but with humility—because for him humility is not a moral ornament but the measure of reality. You do not know humility, he says, by what you think of yourself when you are alone. You know it only when your self-image is wounded. If accusation disturbs you, if injustice burns you inwardly, then humility has not yet reached the marrow. This is not condemnation but diagnosis. Humility, for Isaac, is not self-accusation performed in safety; it is the quiet endurance of being diminished without revolt. Only such a heart can bear God. From this point, Isaac lifts the veil on Christ's words about the “many mansions” of the Father's house. He dismantles our spatial and competitive imagination. Heaven is not a collection of separate dwellings, not a hierarchy of visible comparisons. There is one dwelling, one place, one vision, one light. God is not divided. Beatitude is not parceled out. The diversity lies not in God's gift but in our capacity to receive it. Isaac reaches for images of profound simplicity. The sun shines equally upon all, yet each person receives its light according to the health of his eyes. A single lamp illumines an entire house, yet its light is experienced differently depending on where one stands. The source is undivided. The radiance is simple. What differs is the vessel. Heaven, then, is not the multiplication of rewards but the full revelation of what the soul has become capable of receiving. This is where Isaac's teaching becomes both consoling and terrifying. Consoling, because there is no envy in the Kingdom. No one with a lesser measure will see the greater measure of another. There will be no sorrow born of comparison, no awareness of loss, no inner accusation that another has been given more. Each soul will delight fully in what it has been made able to contain. God will not be experienced as deprivation by anyone who is in Him. But it is terrifying because Isaac makes clear that this capacity is not arbitrary. It is formed. It is disciplined. It is shaped through humility, suffering, obedience, and purification of the heart. The same divine light that gives joy to one will reveal limitation to another. The difference is not external but interior. Heaven does not change us at the threshold; it unveils us. Isaac goes further. He insists that the world to come will not operate by a different logic than this one. The structure of reality is already set. Knowledge beyond sense, perception beyond images, understanding beyond words—these already exist in seed form. Ignorance remains for a time, but it is not eternal. There is an appointed moment when ignorance is abolished and the mysteries that are now guarded by silence are revealed. Silence, here, is not absence but reverence. God is not fully disclosed to the undisciplined mind. Finally, Isaac draws a stark boundary. There is no middle realm. A person belongs either wholly to the realm above or wholly to the realm below. Yet even within each realm, there are degrees. This is not contradiction but coherence. Union or separation is absolute; experience within each state is varied. One is either turned toward God or away from Him, but the depth of that turning—or that refusal—determines the quality of one's existence. What Isaac is pressing upon us is this: life is the slow formation of our capacity for God. Salvation is not merely forgiveness; it is vision. Judgment is not an external sentence; it is the unveiling of what the soul can bear. Humility is not preparation for heaven—it is already participation in its light. And the tragedy of sin is not punishment imposed from without, but the shrinking of the heart's ability to receive the One who gives Himself entirely. In St. Isaac's vision, God remains eternally simple, undivided, and radiant. The question that decides everything is not how much God gives, but how much we have allowed ourselves to be healed, emptied, and enlarged to receive Him. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:04:59 susan: Hi I'm trying to transition from liturgy or hours on the phone to the 4 volume books. Can anone tell me what week we are currently in? tx 00:05:20 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Humility Real? - how heart reacts when another wounds us Is our understanding of the Kingdom and its light childish or rooted in mature faith Do we desire the kingdom or look for an in-between state Do we teach others before we are healed? Enemy is subtle - vainglorious to focus on sin or temptation. Should focus on virtue. Resolve and labor tied together Virtue must be practiced otherwise we are like a fledgling without feathers Humility, fervor, tears can be lost through negligence Affliction should ultimately give way to hope. Should not seek ways to avoid the cross Begin with courage. Don't divide the soul but trust God absolutely 00:17:12 David Swiderski, WI: https://www.usccb.org/resources/2026cal.pdf 00:18:49 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 172, # 11, first paragraph 00:40:28 Ben: Anna; It seems to me that since Charity isn't something that we lose in heaven, that the glory of each soul will somehow communicate it's self to each other soul in such a way that we will each delight in the glory of the other. 00:41:40 Elizabeth Richards: It is so hard to invest and trust fully when our experience human relationships always disappoint (for me). It was easier when I was younger! 00:42:40 Elizabeth Richards: It I can be hard not to be protective in my relationship with God 00:44:05 Elizabeth Richards: The paradox is that I need Christ's strength & grace to have a vulnerable relationship with Him! 00:47:26 David Swiderski, WI: Youth is a struggle of acquiring- knowledge, career, house, family and growing older sometimes is a struggle of learning to let go until there is nothing of us to cling to but God.. (A saying from my Grandfather) He also said more concisely we come into this world and leave the same way no teeth, bald and in diapers. 00:50:26 Nypaver Clan: Father, Do you have a good, detailed examination of conscience from the Desert Fathers? 00:50:33 Sr Barbara Jean Mihalchick: Replying to "Youth is a struggle ..." Do any of the Saints approach the circuitous routes of the spiritual life and vocation with a holy sense of humor??? 00:50:58 Maureen Cunningham: Sometimes it feels like That God is treating me the same as my adversary s 01:01:20 Angela Bellamy: Is the joy simultaneous with the sorrow entangled forever? or will the joy win? 01:01:59 Art: Going back to paragraph 12 where Isaac speaks of “each according to the clarity of his eyesight” this reminds me of something from the margin of the Roman missal. It says, “They will receive grace [at Mass] in the measure of their faith and devotion, visible to God alone.” So it's as if at mass we are already experiencing this part of heaven. There we are all in the same place, one abode, one place, one dwelling, yet each seeing “each according to the clarity of his eyesight” and absent any feelings of envy toward any other. 01:04:43 David Swiderski, WI: https://saintnicholas-oca.org/files/catechetical-resources/Self-Examination-before-Confession-From-Way-of-a-Pilgrim.pdf 01:19:47 Nypaver Clan: Father, you're awesome!
Send us a textToday, the pastors (sans Scott) welcome a special guest, Casey Halbgewachs. Casey is a long-time friend of Toby's and is a fellow pastor near Houston. He was passing through town, so we roped him in to co-host with us.In light of New Year and having just observing communion, the topic is biblical self-examination. What categories are of self-examination should we engage in? How is the best way to accomplish this? What are the pitfalls? How do we balance Psalm 139 (test me) with 2 Corinthians 13 (examine yourselves)?================ We want to be a resource for you. Please send us your questions to questions@kerrvillebiblechurch.org or leave us a text or voicemail at 830-321-0349.Please share this podcast on your social media or to your mailing list. We'd appreciate your help getting the message out.================The KBC Pastors Podcast is a production of Kerrville Bible Church. The show is hosted and edited by Toby Baxley. Original theme music by Toby Baxley.Our pastors are: Lead Pastor Chris McKnight, Associate Pastor Scott Christensen, Worship Pastor Toby Baxley, and Youth & Family Pastor Murray Van Gundy.
MESSAGE | Dr. Brian Payne (Pastor) "Life in Step With the Spirit: An Accomplishment of the First Advent" Galatians 5:25-6:5 1 | Life in Step With the Spirit is a Life of Selfless Investment (v. 25-6:3) 2 | Life in Step With the Spirit is a Life of Self-Examination (v. 4-5)
Send us a textAs the year comes to a close, this episode invites you to pause and reflect on how your marriage has actually felt—not to judge it, but to learn from it. Christine shares a personal story, practical reflection tools, and simple next steps to help you move into the new year with clarity, intention, and hope for deeper connection.Timestamps:00:00 Reflecting on Your Marriage as the Year Ends01:06 Welcome to AwakenYou in Your Marriage03:01 A Long-Awaited Vacation and Choosing Connection06:55 A Simple Year-End Marriage Reflection Exercise09:37 Understanding Patterns in Your Marriage10:45 Recognizing Seasons of Marriage12:20 Self-Examination and Personal Growth13:11 Practical Steps to Improve Your Marriage14:36 Guided Reflection and Planning for the Year Ahead18:37 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
In this transformative continuation pervious episode, we dive deeper into the spiritual disciplines that shape true Kingdom alignment with Rev. Robin-Huws Barnes. This sermon confronts us with honest questions about fasting, prayer, intimacy with God, and the vision and direction that guided our lives in 2025. With relatable humour, real-life testimonies, and strong biblical teaching, this episode leads every believer to examine not just what we did this year, but who we became through it. Was our fasting transactional or transformational? Did prayer anchor us or disappear when life became overwhelming? Did our choices reflect God's vision—or our insecurities, ambitions, and fears? Prepare your heart. Part 2 takes retrospection to a deeper, more personal level.
In this powerful and reflective sermon with Rev. Robin-Huws Barnes, we explore December's theme: Retrospection, Repentance, and Gratitude—a divine invitation to pause, look back, assess our walk, and return to alignment with God's Kingdom. Through humour, storytelling, and deep spiritual insight, this message leads us into a sincere examination of our faith, our families, and our devotion to God's Word. If you're ready to evaluate your year through the lens of the Kingdom and position yourself for divine alignment in the coming season, this episode is for you.
When your body is breaking down, how do you continue to show up with power and purpose? In this inspiring episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Fitz Koehler—a cancer survivor, fitness expert, and fierce advocate for living fully, no matter what life throws your way.Fitz shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, and how she used fitness not just as a physical outlet, but as a mental and emotional anchor. She and Lyndsay discuss the importance of self-examination, the value of integrating Western medicine with holistic care, and why small, intentional shifts can lead to significant, lasting results.They also dive into the importance of community, storytelling, and creating space for both grit and grace in the healing process. Fitz opens up about her new book and podcast, both of which were created to inspire others to move their bodies, take control of their health, and find joy even in the most challenging seasons.This episode is a powerful reminder that you don't have to wait for perfect circumstances to start prioritizing yourself. You can choose to fight. You can choose to feel strong. And you absolutely deserve to feel good in your body again.Tune in if you're ready to take your power back—one breath, one rep, one step at a time.Find Fitz Koehler Online Here:Website: www.fitzness.com/blog/Instagram: @fitznessFacebook: Fitz KoehlerLinkedIn: Fitz KoehlerYouTube: The Fitzness ShowTikTok: @fitzness13Book: You. Supercharged! The Exact Formula for Fitness, Weight Loss, and Longevity Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:Website: thepaingamepodcast.comInstagram: @thepaingamepodcastFacebook: The Pain Game PodcastLinkedIn: Lyndsay SopranoYouTube: The Pain Game PodcastEpisode Highlights:(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma(02:39) Fitz Koehler's Cancer Journey(05:38) The Importance of Self-Examination(08:23) Navigating Western Medicine and Holistic Approaches(11:24) The Role of Fitness in Health(14:25) Empowerment Through Fitness and Health(17:11) Supercharging Your Life(19:54) Understanding Fitness and Nutrition(23:05) Addressing Gender-Specific Health Issues(25:52) The Impact of Diets on Health(28:27) The Fitness Show and Community Engagement(31:36) Morning Mile Program for Kids(34:35) Closing Thoughts and EncouragementSubscribe on YouTube | Merch is Coming (Finally) | This Is More Than a PodcastUnfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing.This is where pain meets purpose — and you're not doing it alone.
The Law isn't just for the unconverted or the guy next to you in the pew. It's for you, the Christian, too. But why? Why is the Law still preached to those who are in Christ. Isn't the Gospel enough? The answer is simple: the old Adam hasn't been reformed—he has to be drowned daily. And for that, you need the Law to expose the sin that still clings, so that you can be driven again and again to Jesus. Now, we're not talking about rummaging around in your feelings. That is not maturity. Instead, mature Christians learn to use the Law rightly - as a mirror to see the truth. But keep in mind, they don't examine themselves to condemn themselves, but to confess what is wrong—and let Christ deal with it. In this episode, we cover the topic of Self-Examination and Repentance. Subscribe, Watch, & Share: www.3p1s.com
Curt Jaimungal dives into Kierkegaard's three stages of life—aesthetic, ethical, and religious — showing how each promises freedom yet traps us in its own way. Through the lens of modern anxiety and constant choice, he explores why the “leap of faith” isn't blind irrationality but a way of living with authenticity when reason hits its limits. Sponsors: - As a listener of TOE you can get a special 20% off discount to The Economist and all it has to offer! Visit https://www.economist.com/toe Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e Timestamps: - 00:00 - Kierkegaard and Faith - 03:16 - The Three Stages - 05:10 - Anti-Helegianism - 10:52 - Self-Examination and "Knowing Thyself" Links mentioned: - The Most Terrifying Philosopher I've Encountered: https://curtjaimungal.substack.com/p/the-most-terrifying-philosopher-ive - Soren Kierkegaard: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/kierkegaard/ - Either/Or [Book]: https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.504967/page/n125/mode/2up - Michael Sugrue On Kierkegaard: https://youtu.be/SMJc9UMzFSE - Hegelianism: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hegelianism - Max Tegmark [TOE]: https://youtu.be/-gekVfUAS7c - Sir Roger Penrose [TOE]: https://youtu.be/iO03t21xhdk - Curt's Presentation: https://youtu.be/3_lBPMc6JRY SUPPORT: - Become a YouTube Member (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join - Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal - Support me on Crypto: https://commerce.coinbase.com/checkout/de803625-87d3-4300-ab6d-85d4258834a9 - Support me on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XUBHNMFXUX5S4 SOCIALS: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt - Discord Invite: https://discord.com/invite/kBcnfNVwqs Guests do not pay to appear. Theories of Everything receives revenue solely from viewer donations, platform ads, and clearly labelled sponsors; no guest or associated entity has ever given compensation, directly or through intermediaries. #science Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join Pastor Brenda for Part 2 of her powerful series on "The 7 Churches of Revelation"—a timely and impactful look at what Jesus is speaking to the Church today. Don't miss it!
In this conversation, I talk with Justin Giboney, cofounder of the AND Campaign and author of Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around, about how we can follow Jesus faithfully in the midst of the culture war. Justin shares how the civil rights generation embodied both conviction and compassion, and what it looks like to recover that kind of moral imagination today. We talk about seeing the sin in ourselves and the image of God in our opponents, moving from blind certainty to humble conviction, and bearing the cross in the public square. This episode calls us to reimagine public faith beyond partisanship and to embody the way of Jesus with courage, truth, and love.Justin Giboney is an attorney, political strategist, and civic leader based in Atlanta, GA. As the co-founder and president of the AND Campaign, a Christian civic organization, Justin focuses on the intersection between faith and politics. In 2012 and 2016 Georgia's 5th congressional district elected him as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention. He's the co-author of Compassion (&) Conviction – The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement and the forthcoming book – “Don't Let Nobody Turn you Around: How the Black Church's Public Witness Leads Us out of the Culture War.” His work has been featured in publications such as including the New York Times and Christianity Today.Justin's Book:Don't Let Nobody Turn You AroundJustin's Recommendation:BelieveConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Contact me to advertise: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com Support the show
When it comes to our salvation, is doubt good? This verse has been and is continually used by some to cause many Christians to doubt their salvation. They claim that it is good to question our salvation by examining our works, attitudes, motives, and conduct. But the verse says nothing about examining these things. Understanding the context of the passage--and the whole epistle--is the key to understanding what Paul is saying. In short, he is not telling them to question their salvation. But by using irony, he is making the point that they are saved, and that is how they should know that he is an authentic apostle--because he brought the gospel to them first! In other words, he is saying, "Look at yourselves. Are you saved? Of course you are! Then I must be a true apostle because I got you saved with my gospel." This understanding will free believers who are prone to look within or at their works, which is a quagmire that will stifle growth. God doesn't want us to doubt our salvation! See 1 John 5:13. #Assuranceofsalvation#eternalsecurity#gracelifeministries#Simplybygrace
I. Preparing for Self-Examination II. Self-Examination with the Lord III. Purpose of Self-Examination
Send us a textOn today's PoM Podcast I sat down with John Simons, the author of "The Man You're Meant To Be: A Call of Self-Examination for Every Believer, Hypocrite, & Outsider."John's book is a call for men to pursue biblical wisdom and authentic manhood by rejecting worldly wisdom and focusing on a deeper surrender to God and Christ. It addresses the cultural confusion men face today and provides a path toward a more fulfilling life through self-examination. To learn more visit: https://www.johndsimons.com/Support The Show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110664/subscribe Register for our next session of Tribe: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-xvii Build your own local Tribe with Tribe Builder: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-builderRegister for our 2026 Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/2026-mens-retreat This podcast is sponsored by Dark Water Woodwork. Dark Water Woodwork is offering a discount code exclusively for the podcast listeners. Use the discount code "PSALM824" to save 15% off of your next beard oil purchase. https://www.darkwaterkc.comSupport the show
(Preparatory) I. Discerning The Lord's Body II. Unworthy Partakers III. The Calling For The Believer Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 11 Text: I Corinthians 11:27-29 Psalter Numbers: 351, 281, 25, 369
Lecture by Swami Tyagananda, given on October 5, 2025, at the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society, Boston, MA
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the importance of self-examination. They explore how self-examination is not merely a self-focused endeavor but a process that involves God and others. The conversation highlights the benefits of self-examination, including personal growth, awareness of one's weaknesses, and the recognition of God's grace. They also address common pitfalls, such as self-shaming and misguided approaches, and emphasize the need to also look for the good as part of the biblical self-examination process. Mentioned in this episode: Registration for courses is now open for the January 2026 term! This term we'll be offering Helping Relationships with Ed Welch, Scripture for Life & Ministry with Aaron Sironi, and Counseling in the Local Church with Michael Gembola. If you're looking for an opportunity for personal growth along with training to better serve those around you, we want to invite you to join us. You can learn more at ccef.org/school.
A new MP3 sermon from Heritage Reformed Congregation is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Self-examination Before the Lord's Supper Speaker: Dr. Joel Beeke Broadcaster: Heritage Reformed Congregation Event: Midweek Service Date: 9/3/2025 Bible: 1 Corinthians 11:28 Length: 48 min.