Podcasts about spiritual life

Have you ever wondered if your prayers were even getting past the ceiling? ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Send one way text to Rev Rachel The holidays have a way of bringing everything to the surface - the joy, the love, the tenderness, and also the old stories, the anxieties, and the patterns we thought we were done with. Being around family gives us a front-row seat to our operating system, the parts of us that still tighten, protect, or try to keep the peace.In this episode of Recover Your Soul, I talk about the real spiritual work of being with family while staying connected to yourself. We explore how to actually feel your feelings rather than suppress them, how to listen to the information they carry, and how to recognize when you've slipped into old roles of managing, pleasing, or fixing.This is the heart of the Recover Your Soul Process - learning to turn inward with curiosity and compassion, letting the emotions arise without judgment, and allowing others to be exactly who they are.My hope is that these reflections help you stay rooted in yourself through the holiday season - not armored, not shut down, but present, awake, and open to the deeper healing that is always happening beneath the surface.You are allowed to feel what you feel. You are allowed to honor your needs. And you areJoin us December 1st from 6-7PM Mountain Time for the next FREE Recover Your Soul Community Support Group. Register on the website, or look in your promotions folder the day of the meeting for the link if you have registered in the past.  Start your journey with the FREE Recover Your Soul™ 9-Step Mini-Workbook- A gentle spiritual path to healing, letting go, and awakening. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not allied or representative of any organizations or religions, but is based on the opinions and experience of Rev. Rachel Harrison or guests. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein. Take what you need and leave the rest.Support the showRev Rachel & Recover Your Soul www.recoveryoursoul.net FREE Support Group on Zoom 6-7PM MT on the 1st Monday of the Month Work the Process with Rev Rachel TRYASESSION for 40% off 1st session Working the Steps Program WORKSTEPS%50 Instagram, Insight Timer, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook private Facebook group RYS Bonus Podcast Patreon Member or subscribing on Apple Podcasts. Transcripts

In today's episode, Debi dives into the deeper, more spiritual side of gratitude. This isn't about forcing positivity or writing a list of things you're “supposed” to be thankful for. It's about slowing down, noticing, and reshaping the way you see life, and reconnecting spiritually. In this episode, Debi explores:What gratitude truly means beyond the clichesWhy it matters How it can shift your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being How gratitude can become a prayerful practice in our lives.Simple, realistic gratitude practices for everyday life Gratitude shifts the atmosphere, it moves Heaven, it activates blessings, and it aligns your heart with God. CONNECT WITH DEBIDo you feel stuck?  Do you sense it's time for a change, but are unsure where to start or how to move forward? Schedule a clarity call!Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/debironca/free-clarity-callWebsite – https://www.debironca.comInstagram - @debironcaEmail – info@debironca.com Check out my online course!Your Story's Changing, Finding Purpose in Life's Transitionshttps://course.sequoiatransitioncoaching.com/8-week-programThe Family Letter by Debi Ronca – International Best Sellerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SSJFXBD

Cornelius encountered an angel. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

New York Times writer Jonathan Zwickel discussed his recent article about tours that uncover the political and economic forces that are shaping life in Athens, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, and other important cities. Then Hiroko Yoda discussed her illuminating book about Japanese traditions, religious practices and life "Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan.Takeaways: Zwickel recounts his experience of wandering through an Athens neighborhood, revealing the urban decay and struggles faced by locals. We discuss the importance of ethical tourism, emphasizing the need for respectful engagement with local communities and their histories. The podcast highlights the emergence of social and political walking tours as a means to provide deeper insights into the realities of city life and its challenges. Additionally, we examine how these tours can serve as an antidote to overtourism by redistributing visitor traffic to underappreciated areas. In the second half Yoda discusses the interplay between different religious traditions in the temples of Japan; how she came to find Shinto teachings helpful while grieving the loss of her parents; and a the story behind a famous mound in Tokyo, that has a surprising history.Links referenced in this episode:newyorktimes.comairbnb.complanetwonk.com

The disciples had just performed many miraculous works, then Jesus said this... ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

I'm about to reveal to you a tremendous point that Jesus made. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Jesus said to His disciples, "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see." ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Stories of ghosts and hauntings have frightened us since the beginning of time. Until recently, few have dared to contact the deceased and discover the true nature of earthbound spirits and the phenomena they create. Our understanding of the afterlife has evolved, and with it the reality that ghosts are just like us, facing many of the same problems we face every day. Spirit rescue mediums are "psychologists for the deceased," helping them peacefully transition to the other side.Toward the Light is the first guide dedicated solely to spirit rescue and its role in saving earthbound spirits from their self-imposed exile on earth. It is a guide to rescue mediumship, a form of spirit communication used to counsel and aid the deceased in crossing over. It is the first book that will help you understand things from a ghost's perspective, and will cover such diverse topics as: Why spirits remain earthbound and the emotions associated with this decision Places of interest for earthbound spirits and the reasoning behind their residency Techniques and tools used by rescue mediums Psychic protection tools and techniques for all levels of spirit activity The different vibrational levels of spirit attachments Residual energy and the techniques used to clear it away.BioAmy Major is a psychic, empath, psychic medium, and rescue medium who has helped many people with her abilities. At a young age, she learned she had the ability to communicate with her spiritual and animal guides. Throughout her childhood, she developed astral projection as well as the ability to see auras and energy surrounding people. In her early 20s, Amy was told by her guides that she was able to communicate with spirits. While exploring her ability of mediumship, she quickly learned that she had very strong rescue mediumship skills.Amy now dedicates her time to rescue work and educating people about spirit rescue. Amy has been a successful spirit rescue medium since 2002. She was a lead medium in the Psychic Ghostbusters Team through the New Millennium Psychic Center in Derry, New Hampshire. She works alongside other mediums and spirit rescue specialists to aid spirits in their transition to the “other side.” Amy has studied and worked at the New Millennium Psychic Center in Derry, New Hampshire for many years and 188 Toward the Light is an active member of the Church of Spiritual Life in Methuen, Massachusetts. She is currently enrolled in Morris Pratt courses, specializing in mediumship and healing.https://www.amymajor.com/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J1L4XPV? https://www.pastliveshypnosis.co.uk/https://www.patreon.com/ourparanormalafterlifeMy book 'Verified Near Death Experiences' https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXKRGDFP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The title of this week's teachings is "Eyes That See." ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Stories of ghosts and hauntings have frightened us since the beginning of time. Until recently, few have dared to contact the deceased and discover the true nature of earthbound spirits and the phenomena they create. Our understanding of the afterlife has evolved, and with it the reality that ghosts are just like us, facing many of the same problems we face every day. Spirit rescue mediums are "psychologists for the deceased," helping them peacefully transition to the other side.Toward the Light is the first guide dedicated solely to spirit rescue and its role in saving earthbound spirits from their self-imposed exile on earth. It is a guide to rescue mediumship, a form of spirit communication used to counsel and aid the deceased in crossing over. It is the first book that will help you understand things from a ghost's perspective, and will cover such diverse topics as: Why spirits remain earthbound and the emotions associated with this decision Places of interest for earthbound spirits and the reasoning behind their residency Techniques and tools used by rescue mediums Psychic protection tools and techniques for all levels of spirit activity The different vibrational levels of spirit attachments Residual energy and the techniques used to clear it away.BioAmy Major is a psychic, empath, psychic medium, and rescue medium who has helped many people with her abilities. At a young age, she learned she had the ability to communicate with her spiritual and animal guides. Throughout her childhood, she developed astral projection as well as the ability to see auras and energy surrounding people. In her early 20s, Amy was told by her guides that she was able to communicate with spirits. While exploring her ability of mediumship, she quickly learned that she had very strong rescue mediumship skills.Amy now dedicates her time to rescue work and educating people about spirit rescue. Amy has been a successful spirit rescue medium since 2002. She was a lead medium in the Psychic Ghostbusters Team through the New Millennium Psychic Center in Derry, New Hampshire. She works alongside other mediums and spirit rescue specialists to aid spirits in their transition to the “other side.” Amy has studied and worked at the New Millennium Psychic Center in Derry, New Hampshire for many years and 188 Toward the Light is an active member of the Church of Spiritual Life in Methuen, Massachusetts. She is currently enrolled in Morris Pratt courses, specializing in mediumship and healing.https://www.amymajor.com/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J1L4XPV? https://www.pastliveshypnosis.co.uk/https://www.patreon.com/ourparanormalafterlifeMy book 'Verified Near Death Experiences' https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXKRGDFP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I love the Gospels, and I read them over and over again. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

The Suffering of Job      Job's suffering began abruptly, without warning and without explanation, when God permitted Satan to test his integrity. Though Job was “blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil” (Job 1:1), divine sovereignty allowed undeserved suffering as a means of glorifying God and refining Job's soul. Zuck wisely states, “The Book of Job addresses the mystery of unmerited misery, showing that in adversity God may have other purposes besides retribution for wrongdoing.”[1] Satan challenged Job's motives, accusing him of serving God only because of prosperity (Job 1:9–11). To silence the accusation, God removed the hedge of protection and permitted adversity to strip Job of his possessions, children, and health. Job's wealth, family, and comfort were gone in a day, and his body was reduced to pain and decay. Yet even in shock and sorrow, Job responded with doctrinal stability: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). His reaction reveals that spiritual maturity is measured not by prosperity but by the capacity to think divine viewpoint under pressure. Zuck states: "It is truly remarkable that Job followed adversity with adoration, woe with worship. Unlike so many people, he did not give in to bitterness; he refused to blame God for wrongdoing (cf. Job 2:10). Job's amazing response showed Satan was utterly wrong in predicting that Job would curse God. Devotion is possible without dollars received in return; people can be godly apart from material gain. Job's saintly worship at the moment of extreme loss and intense grief verified God's words about Job's godly character."[2]      As the suffering prolonged, Job's emotional and physical agony intensified. The silence of heaven pressed upon him, and his so-called friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) added psychological torment through their false theology of retribution. They insisted that Job's suffering was punishment for secret sin, reflecting human viewpoint reasoning divorced from grace. Job defended his innocence, yet his soul wavered between confusion and faith. His lamentations revealed an inner struggle between human viewpoint self-pity and divine viewpoint trust. The conflict of the soul is where doctrine must move from theory to reality. Job learned that faith must rest on who and what God is, not on temporal blessings or human understanding. Suffering exposed the inadequacy of human rationalization and forced Job to focus on the immutable character of God. It was a suffering for purification.      When God finally answered from the whirlwind, He did not explain the reasons for Job's suffering; He revealed His own infinite wisdom and sovereign control. Confronted with God's majesty, Job recognized the smallness of his finite perspective and confessed, “I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me” (Job 42:3). This was a display of humility. Job's faith had matured from knowledge about God to experiential confidence in Him. Job said, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5). According to Zuck, “This thrilling view of God, probably spiritual insight, not physical vision, deepened his perspective and appreciation of God. What Job now knew of God was incomparable to his former ideas, which were really ignorant.”[3] God restored Job's fortunes, but the true reward was not material, but spiritual transformation. Through suffering, Job became a trophy of grace, proving that mature faith endures not because of what it receives, but because of whom it knows. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] Roy B. Zuck, “Job,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 714–715. [2] Ibid., 721. [3] Ibid., 774.

Fruit of the Sprit

Fruit of the Sprit

November 28, 2025

November 24, 2025

November 25, 2025

November 26, 2025

November 27, 2025

*Note: this is the Free Content version of my interview with Bastiaan van Rijn. To hear the entire interview, please consider joining my Patreon and becoming a member; alternately, this episode can be purchased for a one-time fee. More information at www.patreon.com/RejectedReligion.My guest this month is Dr. Bastiaan van Rijn.Bastiaan is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. During his PhD, he has investigated how practitioners of different movements in the nineteenth century tried to scientifically prove life after death exists. The outcome of this project is the book Afterlife Research (forthcoming), as well as several open-access articles. Beside this, he is also interested in playful approaches to religion and divination in the contemporary West. His newest project centers on spiritual tourism.This interview takes us into the fascinating world of Mesmerism—also known as animal magnetism—and its enduring influence on the boundaries between science, mysticism, and spiritual inquiry. Bastiaan gives a brief bio of Franz Anton Mesmer, who in the late 18th century proposed that an invisible fluid flowed through all living beings, capable of healing and revealing hidden truths. Though controversial and dismissed by many, Mesmer's ideas sparked a lineage of thought that continues to shape contemporary conversations about consciousness, healing, and the legitimacy of scientific inquiry.We discuss how Mesmerism blended science and mysticism, influenced public perception, and laid the groundwork for practices ranging from hypnotism and New Thought to modern-day energetic healing. Bastiaan's own research picks up this thread, tracing how the experimental impulse to make the invisible visible evolved into afterlife studies, somnambulism, and psychical research.From there, we dive into Bastiaan's dissertation, which examines the emergence of a “scientific culture” in afterlife research—one grappling with empirical inaccessibility, unreliable intermediaries, and skeptical resistance. Through case studies of three spiritual animal magnetizers, Bastiaan uncovers how different strategies were used to stabilize claims and navigate the tension between belief and method.Ultimately, this conversation invites us to rethink what counts as scientific, Bastiaan invites us to consider not just what these researchers claimed to find, but how they tried to find it, as well as how experimental practices in esoteric and spiritual domains contribute to broader dialogues about religion, and the unseen dimensions of human experience.What emerges is a rich, transhistorical culture of inquiry—one that challenges our assumptions about science, religion, and the boundaries of legitimate knowledge.PROGRAM NOTESFind Bastiaan:Bastiaan Benjamin Van Rijn - University of FribourgBastiaan van Rijn | LinkedInInstagramResearchGate – all research[PhD Diss.] The Experimental Culture of Afterlife Research: Attempts by Spiritual Animal Magnetizers to Prove Life after Death | Request PDF(PDF) Chapter 9 Building a Typology for Intentional Transformative Experiences: Louis- Alphonse Cahagnet's Experiments with Magnetic Somnambulism and HashishBastiaan van Rijn (0000-0003-4247-9198) - ORCIDOther Resources:1784: The Marquis de Puységur and the psychological turn in the west - PubMedThe seeress of Prevorst; being revelations concerning the inner-life of man, and the inter-diffusion of a world of spirits in the one we inhabit : Kerner, Justinus Andreas Christian, 1786-1862 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet ArchiveInvestigations of psychic/spiritual phenomena in the nineteenth century: somnambulism and spiritualism, 1811-1860A Republic of Mind and Spirit – Wonderful history of Metaphysics in the USA

The two great ministries of the church. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

What kind of person do you want to be? Or better, what kind of person does God want you to be? In 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4 the Apostle Paul speaks about four kinds of people: the natural person, the spiritual, the carnal, and the newborn. Charlie describes each from a spiritual perspective, then defines God's ideal, the spiritual person. But what does it mean to be spiritual? It has everything to do with the permanent indwelling Holy Spirit who Christians have today. While there is much written and spoken about making disciples, which is an emphasis in the Gospels, we cannot ignore the Epistles which tell us how to keep the commitments of discipleship. It seems there has been some neglect of the Epistles' view of spirituality. Hear this message and ask youself again, what kind of person does God want me to be and how do I become that person? #GraceLifeMinistries#Spirituality#CarnalChristian#ChristianLife#SimplybyGrace

Spiritual Life

The harvest is great, but the laborers are few. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

At Times, Are You Unrepentant in Your Spiritual Life and, Therefore, “storing up wrath for yourself on the {Judgement} day of wrath”? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Penitence is not a once in a lifetime occurrence. Penitence is a daily and moment by moment occurrence. None of us is perfect, and not one of us always does the will of God. Paul, in Romans 2:4-5, is unequivocal in establishing the need for your continuing penitence and the consequences of your not repenting of your sins on a real-time basis: “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.". Therefore, we all need to repent and return to the Lord. You can become cocky and arrogant in your spiritual life – “I am a Christian; God has done this for me.”. As the Psalmist tells us in Psalms 32:5 of his confession and his penitence: “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.". You can rest on our perceived laurels; but these perceptions, of personal goodness and righteousness, can lead you quickly to a need for your penitence.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Most merciful God I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.  TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will rejoice in Him (Philippians 4:4). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Mathew 3:8-11; Romans 2:4-5; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Psalms 140:1-13. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Thanks-Living”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Continuing our look at the rich young ruler. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

It is a commandment to the church that we reach out to people outside the church with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Faith is a very important ingredient in the church. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

The Suffering of the Psalmist      The Psalmist wrote, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word” (Psa 119:67). The word translated “went astray” is שָׁגַג (shāgag). According to HALOT it means “to make a mistake inadvertently, unwittingly…to go astray.”[1] It connotes moral or spiritual deviation (cf. Prov 5:23; Isa 53:6). Ross states, “The verb (שָׁגגַ) is used in Leviticus for unintentional sins; but here it probably includes rationalized, deliberate sins because he was wandering from the way of God. He was not walking by faith in obedience to the word, and so he suffered some affliction at the hands of the wicked; but now he was keeping God's oracle, the word “keep” (שָׁמַר) referring to a meticulous observance of all that God required in his covenant.”[2] The significance is that the psalmist admits he was drifting from obedience, not necessarily into outright rebellion, but into carelessness or neglect of God's Word. The affliction became God's means of correction, turning his wandering into renewed obedience. Thus, the term highlights human tendency to stray and God's faithful use of discipline to restore. A few verses later he states, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, so that I may learn Your statutes” (Psa 119:71). Affliction is seen as a teacher that drives God's people back to His Word. Ross adds, “The psalmist is able to acknowledge that his affliction worked for his good because it forced him to learn more of God's plan revealed in his word. In learning through adversity, he discovered the word God personally revealed in human language was far more valuable than silver or gold [Psa 119:72].”[3] Then, the psalmist states, “I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me” (Psa 119:75). Ross states: "The affliction he has been experiencing came from God, even though it was through arrogant oppressors. The principle was laid down in the experience of Israel in the wilderness: God tested them to see if they would obey or not (Deut 8:16). Those who understand the ways of God know that ultimately it is his plan to exalt the righteous and destroy the wicked, but that in his wisdom he often humbles the righteous before exalting them."[4]      Taken together, these verses trace the movement from wandering, to correction, to obedience, and finally to worshipful recognition of God's faithful purposes. They teach that affliction, far from being wasted, is a tool in God's hand to sanctify His people and anchor them more firmly in His Word. We don't like trials or suffering, and we often ask God to remove them, much like Paul asked God to remove his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor 12:7). However, we find that most of the time God chooses not to remove our difficulty, like He did not remove Paul's (2 Cor 12:8-9), and we must learn that what He does not remove, He intends for us to deal with, and this by faith (2 Cor 12:10; cf. 2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38; 11:6). The Suffering of Joseph      Joseph's life stands as one of Scripture's clearest demonstrations of how God employs suffering to shape the faith and character of His people. Betrayed by his brothers and cast into a pit, Joseph was sold into slavery and carried away to Egypt (Gen 37:23–28). There he endured the humiliation of serving as a foreigner in Potiphar's house, and though he prospered by God's favor, his integrity in resisting Potiphar's wife led to false accusations and unjust imprisonment (Gen 39:1–20). Even in prison, where he was forgotten by those he had helped (Gen 40:23), Joseph displayed remarkable faithfulness, refusing bitterness and maintaining trust in God's providential hand. Each stage of his trial pressed him deeper into dependence upon the Lord, refining his character for the weighty responsibilities that awaited him. His hardships were not incidental but instrumental in God's design, preparing him to serve as second only to Pharaoh and to become a channel of blessing to countless lives.      Joseph consistently interpreted his life from the perspective of God's providence, not merely in the well-known statement of Genesis 50:20. When he first revealed himself to his brothers, he sought to comfort them with the assurance that their sin, though grievous, was under divine control: “Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5). He went further, declaring, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen 45:7–8). In both statements, Joseph acknowledged the reality of human betrayal but deliberately framed it within the larger purposes of God. He viewed his sufferings as divine instruments for the preservation of life and the fulfillment of covenantal promises.      Later, after Jacob's death, Joseph's brothers again feared retaliation, but Joseph reaffirmed the same perspective, saying: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen 50:20). This statement serves as the theological climax of his narrative, demonstrating how God overruled human evil for His own purposes. According to Radmacher, “God works His good plan even through the evil plans of evil people. Even the worst events can be used in the hand of kindly Providence for His good.”[5] Even at the end of his life, Joseph's confidence remained fixed on God's providence. Altogether, Joseph voiced this divine perspective at least four times (Gen 45:5; 45:7–8; 50:20; 50:24–25), revealing a mature faith that consistently interpreted suffering through the lens of God's sovereign care. The Suffering of Moses      Moses' life reveals how God employs prolonged suffering and repeated trials to shape His servants into men of spiritual depth and usefulness. After killing the Egyptian, Moses fled into exile, spending forty years in Midian as a shepherd (Ex 2:15–25). This season of obscurity was not wasted but was God's classroom for humility and preparation. Though Moses had been educated in all the wisdom of Egypt (Acts 7:22), he needed the quiet discipline of the desert to unlearn self-reliance and to grow in patience and dependence on God. The Lord used these years of hiddenness to refine his character and to equip him with the endurance necessary for leading Israel. This long exile reminds believers that God often uses seasons of difficulty, waiting, and obscurity as essential training grounds for future service. Moses would later emerge not as the impulsive prince of Egypt but as the meek servant whom God could use to shepherd His people. Wiersbe states: "The man who was “mighty in word and deed” is now in the lowly pastures taking care of stubborn sheep, but that was just the kind of preparation he needed for leading a nation of stubborn people. Israel was God's special flock (Psa 100:3) and Moses His chosen shepherd. Like Joseph's thirteen years as a slave in Egypt and Paul's three years' hiatus after his conversion (Gal 1:16-17), Moses' forty years of waiting and working prepared him for a lifetime of faithful ministry. God doesn't lay hands suddenly on His servants but takes time to equip them for their work."[6]      When God called Moses to return to Egypt, the trials intensified. He faced the hardened opposition of Pharaoh (Ex 5–12), who resisted every divine demand, bringing repeated conflict and mounting pressure. Beyond this, Moses bore the weight of constant complaints from the Israelites themselves, who murmured against him at the Red Sea and in the wilderness over water and food (Ex 14–17). Such trials might have broken a lesser man, but through them God deepened Moses' humility and dependence. Scripture later records that “the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth” (Num 12:3). His humility came as he suffered hardship—first in Midian's solitude, then in Pharaoh's defiance, and finally in Israel's stubbornness. Each trial stripped Moses of self-confidence and taught him to rest in God's power and presence. Thus, Moses' life illustrates that suffering, though painful, is God's tool to produce humility, endurance, and spiritual maturity in His people, preparing them for greater responsibility and usefulness in His service. The pathway to spiritual maturity sometimes runs though the valley of hardship and suffering. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] Ludwig Koehler et al., The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994–2000), 1412. [2] Allen P. Ross, A Commentary on the Psalms (90–150): Commentary, vol. 3, 523. [3] Ibid., 524–525. [4] Ibid., 529. [5] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 83. [6] Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol. 1, 182-183.

Craig Troxel talks about how ruling elders can help men consider a call to pastoral ministry.A call to pastoral ministry has several parts, one is the internal sense of call, another is the recognition of the church, the actual call to a congregation or mission work. Ruling elders help shepherd men in both and in this podcast we discuss the early stages of recognizing a call, or even encouraging men to consider if they are called.Discussion centers around Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry: With an Inquiry into the Causes of its Inefficiency, (Banner of Truth Trust). See especially Chapter VI, The Qualifications of the Christian Ministry, pp. 24-31.Craig quotes John Newton, "Beware, my friend, of mistaking the ready exercise of gifts for the exercise of grace." (Letter #5 - "On the Snares and Difficulties attending the Ministry of the Gospel") Works of John Newton, vol.1 (Banner of Truth Trust, 2015) p. 108. See also Newton's letter Marks of a Call to the Ministry.We highly recommend Craig's own book,A. Craig Troxel, With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will toward Christ, (Crossway, 2020).Craig's Recommended ReadingJohn Calvin, Institutes Of The Christian Religion, translated from the first French edition of 1541 by Robert White, Banner of Truth Trust. (Especially Chapter 17, The Christian Life)Campegius Vitringa, The Spiritual Life, trans. and ed. by Charles K. Tefler, Reformation Heritage Books. John Flavel, The Fountain of Life: A Display of Christ in His Essential and Mediatorial Glory, Vol. 1 of the Works of John Flavel, Banner of Truth Trust.John Flavel, The Method of Grace In the Gospel Redemption, Vol 2 of the Works of John Flavel, Banner of Truth Trust.

Father McTeigue completes his reflections from earlier in the week, explaining that most people don't realize what sin is, and don't understand the rupture that it causes. Until we grasp this, we cannot grow in the spiritual life. Father finishes with Weekend Readiness to prepare you for Sunday Mass.  Show Notes The Concept of Sin: Pieper, Josef Why does God care about 'little' sins?  Why Do You Repeat Your Sins?  Saint Thomas and the Problem of Evil: Maritain, Jacques Introduction to the Devout Life | St. Francis De Sales iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! "Let's Take A Closer Look" with Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. | Full Series Playlist Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

♡ About This Earth XperienceThis Earth Xperience brings in Mama Melanin, also known as HEALarious Melanin Bee, a comedian, author, vegan, spiritual millennial mom, and creator of Laughaste Yoga. She is an entrepreneur who teaches joy as medicine, invites people into higher vibration living, and reminds us that healing can be playful, intentional, and accessible.This conversation was a life opportunity. It revealed how real growth happens when we stay present even when things feel awkward. We talked about joy, alignment, creative expression, spiritual identity, energetic protection, and authentic laughter. We explored what it means to move through the world without waiting for everything to be perfect and how to use the resources we already have. She showed how transmutation can turn heaviness into clarity and how sacred silliness keeps the spirit open.She shared the emotionally charged side of being judged as a spiritual person and the pressure of facing Christians who behave more like bullies. Her crips and bloods comparison showed the intensity of the reactions she receives. She explained how she protects her portal, why she does not entertain certain debates, and how choosing peace over performance becomes a real spiritual boundary. These insights offer a new way to understand what experiences we may need to release so we can move forward.We also talked about the fun parts. Her love for laughter, her joy in creative storytelling, her hilarious take on daily life, her laugh asanas, her entrepreneurial journey, and the way her son joins her in her comedic universe. She shared the sweetness in discovering her lane, the excitement of going viral, the lessons in building a brand, and the happiness that comes from watching people heal through humor.This episode sits at the intersection of spirituality, comedy, wellness, creativity, and human growth. It encourages listeners to think, laugh, release, and expand.♡ Explore Her WorkWebsitehttps://www.holisticallyhealarious.com/healarious-healing-ringtonesMama Melanin Show@mamaMelaninshowHEALarious Melanin Bee@healariousmelaninbeeLaughaste Yoga@laughasteyogaLaughaste Out Loud@laughasteoutloudHer platforms feature wellness tools, comedic edutainment, laugh yoga sessions, healing ringtones, spiritual insight, interactive workshops, and the full Laughaste lifestyle that blends joy with transformation.♡ Questions To ConsiderWhat moments in your life feel ready for release?How do you protect your spiritual and emotional portal?Where can laughter create healing for you?What does joy teach you about resilience?How does your own story shift when you stop waiting for perfection?

Every day you need to spend time in the Word and time in prayer. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

This podcast is a short daily audio provided by the online recovery group Transitions Daily. The daily distribution consists of different recovery quotes from various resources, including; Twenty-Four Hours a Day, A.A. Thought for the Day, Daily Reflections, Big Book Quote, Just for Today, As Bill Sees It, plus more! Transitions Daily also distributes this same content in a daily email with a secret Facebook group for discussion. Go to www.DailyAAEmails.com for more information.                   Do you want to stop drinking? Have you ever listened to sobriety podcasts? Does alcoholism or addiction run in your family? Have you tried Alcoholics Anonymous or the 12 Steps of A.A.? Are you considering how to get sober? Are you seriously thinking about sobriety for the first time? Is alcohol controlling your life as never before? If so, you will definitely want to check out this recovery podcast.

The church needs teachers who can teach the old and the young. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

As Christians, living a spirit-led life at home is something that can be mistakenly assumed. Too often, we think that the things we do, or the religious acts we carry out make us “spirit-led”. In contrast, the Bible says that life in the Spirit is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Actions and conduct are important, but are you experiencing “rightness”, peace, and joy in your home? If not, maybe we need to reevaluate how well we are doing at letting God lead us daily in our home life. Listen in today and be encouraged and challenged as well. A Spirit-led home IS attainable, and profitable, and possible at your house!

I want the church to be effective. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

We are talking this week about the work of the church. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Few people blend the Buddhist spiritual path with the 12-Step journey as seamlessly and as helpfully as Fr. Bill's guest Kevin Griffin. A student and teacher of Buddhist meditation for many years as well as an excellent writer and musician, Kevin is also a man in long-term recovery from addiction with a powerful message to share.This series explores Kevin's book One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. It's sure to be of interest to spiritual travelers of all stripes. This episode is focused on Steps 6 & 7 exploring how Buddhist meditation can help with the practice of letting go.Show notes:One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps by Kevin GriffinKevin's website: https://kevingriffin.net/A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life by Jack Kornfield

I love the church. I love being part of the church. It's a joyous thing to be part of the family of believers. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Jarek Berga - November 9th 2025 You're already training for something — the question is, what goal are you straining toward? This week, Jarek pauses our King and His Kingdom series to share from 1 Timothy 4:6–11, a message birthed in prayer about what it truly means to “train yourself for godliness.” Using Paul's athletic metaphor, Jarek explores how spiritual formation, like physical training, requires diet and exercise — being nourished by the Word and strengthened through discipline. He contrasts legalism (trying to earn God's love) with training (responding to His love), inviting us to examine what we're ultimately living for. Whether you're in a season of growth or recovery, this message calls us to a life of perseverance, love, and purpose — straining toward the crown that lasts forever. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #1Timothy4 #SpiritualFormation #Discipline #Godliness #Grace #KingAndHisKingdom #RestoredTemecula Share this message with someone who needs to hear it. Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome to Restored Church(00:00:53) - First Timothy(00:06:32) - "You're designed and built for something..."(00:06:52) - Paul's End Goal for His Protege, First Timothy,(00:09:49) - First Timothy 4, The Training of the Body(00:10:54) - Paul Writing to Timothy(00:14:02) - Paul Tells Timothy to Train Himself to Be godly(00:20:41) - Jesus on the Legalist(00:21:22) - Allergic reactions to work and discipline(00:25:41) - What I'm Advocating For Today(00:30:47) - Jesus' Spiritual Life(00:33:25) - Workout in the Spiritual Realm(00:37:47) - Paul to Timothy: How You Live Today Matters(00:43:49) - Prayers are a part of the Kingdom(00:49:32) - Eric Liddell: His Liberty(00:54:18) - Jesus Adorably Train(00:57:13) - Praise and Worship for Broken Hearts(01:01:34) - Prayers for the Sick and Others

Are you aware that as a believer you don't have to sin? Listen to this message to learn that in order not to sin we must align our thinking with the Word of God and realize that at the moment we accepted Christ's death on the Cross as the substitute for our penalty to sin, we were buried with Christ in His death and have been raised to a new life. Our challenge is to not allow our sin nature to rule over us any more by studying and applying Scripture. In association with this class, Dr. Dean recommends for you to view this video entitled “The Eighth Front is the Mind: Melanie Phillips on Britain, Zionism, and the Cognitive War Over Israel.”

Are you aware that as a believer you don't have to sin? Listen to this message to learn that in order not to sin we must align our thinking with the Word of God and realize that at the moment we accepted Christ's death on the Cross as the substitute for our penalty to sin, we were buried with Christ in His death and have been raised to a new life. Our challenge is to not allow our sin nature to rule over us any more by studying and applying Scripture. In association with this class, Dr. Dean recommends for you to view this video entitled “The Eighth Front is the Mind: Melanie Phillips on Britain, Zionism, and the Cognitive War Over Israel.”

The Suffering of Jesus Christ      Jesus Christ, though perfectly sinless in His nature and conduct (1 Pet 2:22; 1 John 3:5), fully entered into the sufferings of humanity during what Scripture calls “the days of His flesh” (Heb 5:7a). As eternal God (John 1:1, 14; Col 2:9), He lacked nothing and possessed all knowledge, power, and authority. Yet in His humanity, He willingly submitted Himself to the limitations of human life, growing in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:40) and experiencing hunger, thirst, fatigue, grief, and rejection. This was not because of any imperfection in His being, but because the incarnation required Him to live in a fallen world where obedience to the Father necessarily brought conflict with the prevailing powers of darkness. Hebrews explains that He “learned obedience from the things which He suffered” (Heb 5:8). This does not mean He was ever disobedient, but rather that, through real human experience, He grew in the practical expression of obedience under pressure, culminating in His supreme submission when He “became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). According to Fruchtenbaum, “The expression learned obedience does not mean that Jesus disobeyed; it means that He learned what obedience cost Him. It cost Him suffering. Philippians 2:8 makes the same point. He learned what obedience costs by means of the things He suffered.”[1] Jesus' suffering, therefore, was the means by which He demonstrated in His humanity the perfection of obedience, leaving believers an enduring model of faithfulness amid adversity.      As the Suffering Servant foretold by Isaiah (Isa 53:1–12), Jesus also bore the unique suffering of standing in the place of sinners to satisfy divine justice. He not only endured the hostility of men and the pressures of life in a fallen world but ultimately suffered as the substitute for humanity's sins. In His sacrificial death, He bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin, paying a debt that was not His own (Mark 10:45; Rom 5:8; 1 Pet 3:18). On the cross, He suffered in the most profound sense, not for His failures, for He had none, but for ours, offering Himself as the once-for-all atonement. His suffering secured forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life for all who believe in Him. Thus, Jesus' sufferings were both exemplary and substitutionary: exemplary, in that He showed how perfect obedience is forged and displayed through hardship in a fallen world; substitutionary, in that He willingly endured the judgment we deserved so that we might be brought to God. Peter tells us, “Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust” (1 Pet 3:18). Through His suffering, believers find both a model to follow and a Savior to trust, knowing that the One who triumphed through trials now intercedes for them and assures their salvation (1 John 2:1). Sanders states, “Serving and suffering are paired in the teaching and life of our Lord. One does not come without the other. And what servant is greater than the Lord?”[2] Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, The Messianic Jewish Epistles: Hebrews, James, First Peter, Second Peter, Jude, 1st ed. (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 2005), 66. [2] J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2007), 24.

We find ourselves in one of the most challenging sections of Romans, where Paul confronts us with a profound truth: the law reveals our sin but cannot save us from it. Through the lens of the tenth commandment—'thou shalt not covet'—we discover how deeply sin runs in our hearts. The message uses a simple yet powerful illustration of children wanting each other's ice cream to show us something profound: we are perfectly content with what we have until we see what others possess. This isn't just about material things; it's about the human heart's tendency to compare, desire, and ultimately rebel against God's boundaries. The beauty of this teaching lies in its honesty—we learn that even the greatest saints, like Paul himself, wrestled with sin daily. The law acts as a mirror, showing us our need for a Savior, but it cannot cleanse us. Only the blood of Jesus can do that. When we stand before God, it won't be our good deeds that save us, but Christ stepping onto the scales of justice in our place. This message calls us to guard our hearts, cultivate gratitude instead of covetousness, and remember that when we do fall—and we will—we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who pleads our case before the Father.### Sermon Notes: Understanding Romans 7:7-14#### Detailed Notes1. **Introduction**  - The sermon focuses on Romans 7:7-14, noted as a dense and challenging part of the scripture where Paul discusses the law and sin.  - Central theme: The law's role in revealing sin and the struggle of living under sin's influence despite knowing the law.2. **Prayer for Clarity**  - Asking for divine help to illuminate the passage and remove distractions for better understanding.3. **Missions Update**  - Brief updates on church missions to Malawi, South Africa, and Myanmar, emphasizing global reach and community impact.4. **Exposition of Romans 7:7-14**  - Example of coveting as illustrated in Exodus 20:17 (The Tenth Commandment).  - Story of personal experience with grandchildren to highlight the human tendency toward covetousness.  - Emphasis that coveting stems from the heart, leading to actions contrary to God's commandment.5. **Boundaries and Sin**  - Illustration of boundaries using a playground metaphor, explaining how humans naturally push against established limits.  - The law serves as a boundary to reveal the sin within, not to save.6. **Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)**  - Jesus teaching against covetousness by focusing on the parable where temporal possessions take precedence over spiritual richness.  - Warning against the dangers of greed and the temporal nature of material possessions.7. **David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12)**  - The story of King David's sin due to covetousness as a demonstration of how a desire stems from the heart and leads to breaking multiple commandments.  - Nathan's confrontation of David and the ensuing consequences.8. **Covetousness and Spiritual Life**  - Recognizing that covetousness begins in the heart and can lead to a cascade of sinful actions.  - Encouragement to guard the heart against such desires (Proverbs 4:23).9. **Paul's Struggle with Sin**  - Insight into Paul's internal struggle with sin, possibly rooted in personal inadequacies and past actions.  - Importance of grace through Jesus as the only path to overcoming sin.10. **Practical Implications of the Sermon**  - Recognizing our daily battles with sin and relying on Jesus as our advocate.  - Importance of gratitude as a weapon against covetousness and material obsession.  - Encouraging humility and recognition of one's sinfulness to experience growth and redemption.#### Practical Applications1. **Cultivate Gratitude**  - Regularly practice gratitude to combat covetousness. Maintain a gratitude journal or share daily thanks with family or friends.2. **Guard Your Heart**  - Be mindful of thoughts that lead to coveting. Establish personal 'guardrails' when engaging with media that fuels envy or discontentment.3. **Recognize Boundaries**  - Identify areas in life where you push against God's established boundaries and work on staying centered through prayer and reflection.4. **Pursue Spiritual Richness**  - Prioritize investments in spiritual growth over material acquisitions. Participate in church activities, bible studies, and community services.5. **Rely on Jesus' Advocacy**  - When struggling with sin, verbally acknowledge Jesus as your advocate in prayer to foster reliance on His grace.#### Discussion Questions1. How does understanding the purpose of the law help you in your daily struggle with sin?2. Can you identify ways in which covetousness surfaces in your life? How do you typically respond to it?3. Reflect on a situation where gratitude has helped you overcome feelings of envy or dissatisfaction. Share with the group.4. In what ways can we as a community support each other in establishing and respecting personal and spiritual boundaries?5. How does the understanding of Jesus as your advocate change your perspective on personal failings and sins?

Hey Friend, You know that feeling when you are “doing all the things” and still not seeing the progress you hoped for? Tracking macros. Saving workouts on Pinterest. Maybe even finishing 75 Hard.Yet the scale, your energy, or your mood are not really changing. If you have ever thought, “What am I doing wrong?” or “Why am I stuck?”, I want you to hear this new conversation. I recently sat down with my best friends, Shaela Daugherty (The Stronger Collective) and Brittany Braswell (Faith Filled Food Freedom Podcast), for a completely unscripted, bestie-style conversation about what we call “the boring basics” in health and fitness. Nothing fancy. No shiny hacks. Just the simple, repeatable things that actually work, for your body and your walk with the Lord. Inside the episode, we talk about: Why hopping from one program to another keeps you stuck and exhausted How social media has trained us to crave quick results and constant novelty The truth about “muscle confusion,” diet trends, and quick fixes Why the most powerful habits often feel very ordinary How faith, discipline, and consistency all work together What it looks like to honor God with your health in a real, sustainable way We also get really honest about our own struggles with consistency. There is a part of the conversation where I share how tempting it was to ditch my simple strength plan and follow the “fun” workouts I saw other women doing at the gym. My body did not need another shiny plan. It needed the same lifts, again and again, so it could actually grow stronger. That is what this whole episode is about: Stop chasing motivation. Start mastering the mundane. For the Christian woman who is Googling things like“Why am I not losing weight even though I work out?”or asking ChatGPT“How do I stay motivated to be healthy as a busy mom?” This conversation is a grace filled reset. We talk about how doing the same simple thingslifting, walking, praying, eating balanced meals, going to bed on timecreates the rhythm where real physical and spiritual transformation happens. A few simple “boring basics” we encourage you to start with: Eat protein at every meal Drink a glass of water every time you eat Choose one small habit and stick with it for at least 12 weeks Ask for accountability instead of trying to do it alone Anchor your routines to time with the Lord, not just willpower You do not need a more complicated plan. You need a faithful one.God often does His deepest work in the quiet, ordinary choices that no one sees. In grace + health, Lacy Lain Before you go…

In Episode 5 of Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with worship pastor Ben Halsey to talk about the heart of worship in a culture shaped by influencers. What happens when the platforms and performance are stripped away and students encounter the presence of God through worship? Hear practical guidance for training young worship leaders to stay grounded in Scripture, walk closely with Jesus, and lead with humility. Discover the balance between excellence and authenticity in ministry, whether you're developing a student worship team or discipling young believers. Lead your ministry to focus on what truly matters: worshiping Christ above all else.  Also in This Episode:  Be reminded to teach young worship leaders to walk with Jesus daily before releasing them to step on stage.  Learn strategies to train students to evaluate songs and lyrics through the filter of God's Word.  Consider how modeling humility teaches student worship leaders to value servanthood over stardom.  Discover how to equip students to plan well but ultimately let God lead the moment, holding everything with open hands to give space for the Holy Spirit to move.  Explore conversations with young leaders to keep motives pure, asking the “why” behind every element of setlists, technology, and production choices. Helpful Resources:   The Reset: Returning to the Heart of Worship and a Life of Undivided Devotion by Jeremy Riddle  The Selfless Way of Christ: Downward Mobility and the Spiritual Life by Henri Nouwen  Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill  The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine by A.W. Tozer  Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples by Robby Gallaty  GenSend on Instagram and YouTube  ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org  ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ——————————————————————————————————————    Shareable Quotes: “It all comes down to the leader. Are they putting truth in a song that helps mature this generation, or are they offering a shallow faith because they themselves have a shallow faith?” —Ben Halsey  “Some of the most powerful worship moments happen when the technology fails.” —Shane Pruitt  “We value training people up more than we value perfection in every environment.” —Paul Worcester    “How can we help students focus more on God's glory than on style?” —Lacey Villasenor

Do you know how to rest? Is hurry secretly ruining your life? Hear from Kyle as he examines Matthew 11:28-30 and uncovers why we need rest. This sermon is part of our “Experience God” sermon series. How do you experience God? God has given us many ways to step into his transformational presence, but too few take advantage of these gifts. Join The Crossing as we explore and experiment with ancient Christian practices to help us encounter God in new ways this fall. Want to get the most out of each week's sermon? Download “Experience God: Experiments for August and September”. This free workbook will help you apply what you learn on Sunday morning with daily devotionals and exercises. Download your free copy Interested in more content like this? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter. Every Friday, you'll get new resources to help you grow in your faith and a first look at what to expect on Sunday, delivered right to your inbox. Get connected at The Crossing! When you sign up for Crossing Update, you'll get a text message every Sunday morning with the new ways to get involved at the church. You can also find the latest information about events on The Crossing's website. 

Discover how putting God first—especially in life's busiest moments—can bring real peace, balance, and purpose through Matthew 6:33. In this vulnerable conversation, we dive into what it really means to keep a God-first posture while navigating real life—responsibilities, busyness, and the constant overwhelm that can come with it. This isn't a picture-perfect discussion; it's an honest one about what it looks like to seek God, first, in the middle of the mess, not just in the quiet moments, or at our conveniences. Rooted in Matthew 6:33, this conversation reminds us that balance isn't found in a perfectly managed schedule but in a surrendered heart that seeks God first. It's about choosing presence over pressure and faith over frantic striving. May this encourage you to pause, realign, and let your day—and your life—flow from a place of seeking Him first. #HeyGodIHaveQuestions #FaithAndLife #ChristianPodcast Stay connected: Subscribe on YouTube for weekly faith-filled encouragement Listen to the Eat Don't Compete podcast on Apple, Spotify, and iHeart Comment "Devotional" to be sent a jump start to your spiritual growth journey with a FREE devotional. https://jazminedewees.com/freedevotional/ Inbox me on instagram “ Join the Tribe” if you're ready to find yours. Put in the comments "I'm ready for The Study Room" if you will be LIVE on YouTube with me Thursday, November 13th for our first session.