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In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses Parshas Pinchas, focusing on the story of Pinchas's zealous act against Zimri and Cosbi, who publicly defied God's will by engaging in illicit relations, as described in Numbers 25. Rabbi Wolbe highlights the danger of blurring moral lines, as Zimri attempted by bringing a Moabite woman into the Jewish community, comparing it to Rebecca's relief upon learning her conflicting womb movements were due to twins with distinct destinies, not a single confused child. He emphasizes that clarity in commitment to Torah and mitzvahs is crucial, drawing parallels to Haman's and Amalek's attempts to assimilate and confuse the Jewish people, urging listeners to avoid compromise in spiritual matters and to define their stance firmly on the side of holiness and light.Rabbi Wolbe encourages small, intentional steps toward observance without compromising core commitments, using examples like health goals to illustrate the importance of mental resolve even if actions lag. He stresses the need for wisdom to distinguish between holy and unholy, as recited in Havdalah and Talmudic prayers, to avoid confusion. A story of a newly observant Jew publicly affirming their identity as a religious Jew underscores how verbalizing commitment clarifies one's path. Rabbi Wolbe concludes by urging listeners to manifest their spiritual goals through clear identification with Torah values, fostering a deeper connection to God and a purposeful Shabbos._____________This episode (Ep 7.38) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Pinchas is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Studios (C) to an online TORCHzoom.com audience on July 16, 2025, in Passaic, New Jersey.Released as Podcast on July 18, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Pinchas, #SpiritualGrowth, #Commitment, #Torah, #Mitzvot ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses Parshas Pinchas, focusing on the story of Pinchas's zealous act against Zimri and Cosbi, who publicly defied God's will by engaging in illicit relations, as described in Numbers 25. Rabbi Wolbe highlights the danger of blurring moral lines, as Zimri attempted by bringing a Moabite woman into the Jewish community, comparing it to Rebecca's relief upon learning her conflicting womb movements were due to twins with distinct destinies, not a single confused child. He emphasizes that clarity in commitment to Torah and mitzvahs is crucial, drawing parallels to Haman's and Amalek's attempts to assimilate and confuse the Jewish people, urging listeners to avoid compromise in spiritual matters and to define their stance firmly on the side of holiness and light.Rabbi Wolbe encourages small, intentional steps toward observance without compromising core commitments, using examples like health goals to illustrate the importance of mental resolve even if actions lag. He stresses the need for wisdom to distinguish between holy and unholy, as recited in Havdalah and Talmudic prayers, to avoid confusion. A story of a newly observant Jew publicly affirming their identity as a religious Jew underscores how verbalizing commitment clarifies one's path. Rabbi Wolbe concludes by urging listeners to manifest their spiritual goals through clear identification with Torah values, fostering a deeper connection to God and a purposeful Shabbos._____________This episode (Ep 7.38) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Pinchas is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Studios (C) to an online TORCHzoom.com audience on July 16, 2025, in Passaic, New Jersey.Released as Podcast on July 18, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Pinchas, #SpiritualGrowth, #Commitment, #Torah, #Mitzvot ★ Support this podcast ★
I believe that there is a god and I believe that He is very much involved in our lives. ******* 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
In Genesis chapter 20 Abraham had quite an encounter with Abimelech. ******* 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
A half truth is a lie. Let's open our Bibles to Genesis chapter 20. ******* 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 can learn so many things by looking at the lives of Abraham and Abimelech. ******* 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
Challenge your assumptions and broaden your perspective on 'Perspective with Pastor Aaron' as we explore the big questions of Life and Faith.Episode 1 - Supplements To Our Faith - 1
All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4
I believe that there is a god and there is a devil. ******* 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
After being born again by faith alone in Christ alone, we are to continue in faith. Paul wrote, “as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Col 2:6). We received Jesus by faith, and after being born again, we are to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). The word “walk” translates the Greek verb peripateō (περιπατέω), which is here used as a metaphor for how we live, behave, or habitually conduct our lives. To walk by faith means we learn and apply God's Word to our lives (i.e., marriage, family, education, work, finances, etc.). It means obeying God's directives, claiming His promises, and utilizing His resources for our daily problems. We are also instructed to “walk by the Spirit” and not the flesh (Gal 5:16). When we live by faith and depend on the Spirit for strength and guidance, we “walk in a manner worthy of the calling” with which we have been called (Eph 4:1). As Christians, we are instructed to learn God's Word that we might come to know our new identity in Christ and lay hold of the many blessings God has provided for us as His children. Gospel information started our journey of faith, and Bible doctrine is the basis for our spiritual walk and advance to maturity. The advancing believer is living the righteous life that God expects, for He says, “My righteous one shall live by faith” (Heb 10:38), and “faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see” (Heb 11:1 NET). To live by faith in God and His Word pleases Him, for “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Paul said, “we have as our ambition…to be pleasing to Him” (2 Cor 5:9). Christians who fail to live by faith, who choose not to learn and/or live by God's Word, will default to humanistic philosophies, values, and experiences. In immature or carnal Christians, experiences and feelings will be regarded as more real, reliable, and important than God and His Word. Though we can enjoy our experiences and feelings (when they align with God), these are not stable, so we must be careful not to prioritize them or make them the base of operations. Divine wisdom should be our base of operations, as God wants us to learn and live His Word, to trust Him in all things, and to live by faith as obedient-to-the-Word children. When feelings rise high, faith must rise higher, lest we get bogged down and trapped in faulty reasonings that enslave and hinder our spiritual life and victory. The walk of faith requires discipline of mind and will. Ultimately, “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Rom 14:23). Faith starts with God and His directives and promises. Once we learn about God's directives, provisions and promises, He expects us to live by them, to be “doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude” ourselves (Jam 1:22). It is possible to learn God's Word and not apply it by faith, which is why James wrote, “to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Jam 4:17). It is a sin not to live by faith. The writer to the Hebrews warned his readers, saying, “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God” (Heb 3:12). After hearing God's Word, it is evil for a Christian not to believe it. It's evil because God's Word is absolute truth (2 Sam 7:28; Psa 119:160; John 17:17), and rejecting or doubting it implies that God, who cannot lie (Num 23:19; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18), is untrustworthy, which is an affront to His perfect nature. This evil behavior was exemplified by the Israelites in the wilderness, for after they'd been delivered from Egyptian bondage, they failed to live by faith (Num 14:11), angered the Lord (Psa 95:8-11), and so forfeited the blessing of inheriting the land (Heb 3:15-18). The danger for us as Christians is that we might know God's directives and promises, but fail to apply them by faith, and never benefit from His blessings. The writer to the Hebrews said, “Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard” (Heb 4:1-2). Hindrances to the Walk of Faith The hindrances to Christian faith are numerous, but they all share one common feature: they obstruct the believer's ability to live in active dependence on God and obedience to His Word. Among the most dangerous is ignorance of God's Word, which the Lord denounced when He said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hos 4:6). The Christian life cannot be lived in a doctrinal vacuum. Truth must be learned before it can be applied. Without sound doctrine, believers are spiritually malnourished, vulnerable to deception, and unable to live a life that honors God (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18). Ignorance guarantees defeat in the spiritual life, not because God withholds grace, but because we fail to appropriate it. Another major hindrance is irrational and unwarranted fear, which paralyzes faith and distorts perspective. Paul reminded Timothy that “God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Tim 1:7). Fear can override truth when allowed to take root in the heart, leading to cowardice in witness, compromise in conviction, and retreat from divine opportunity. Like the Israelites at the edge of Canaan (Num 13:31–14:4), believers who allow fear to dominate their thinking often forfeit the blessings of forward movement in God's plan. Also, failure to claim God's promises is a silent killer of the spiritual life. Hebrews warns of “an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God” (Heb 3:12), not in the sense of losing salvation, but of turning away from the daily walk of faith. God's promises are anchors for the soul (Heb 6:18-19), and to neglect them is to drift aimlessly through life, tossed by circumstances rather than guided by divine certainty. Faith appropriates what God has revealed and rests confidently in His faithfulness, even when circumstances contradict what is seen. Unwarranted self-reliance is another subtle enemy. While human effort has its place in Christian discipline, trust in self apart from God is condemned. Solomon cautioned, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (Prov 3:5), and Jeremiah adds, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength” (Jer 17:5). The Christian life is supernatural and cannot be lived in the power of the flesh. Self-dependence is spiritual sabotage. Furthermore, yielding to the pressures and pleasures of the world is a treacherous distraction. James minces no words when he writes, “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God” (Jam 4:4), and John adds that “if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Worldliness appeals to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life—all of which are inconsistent with the life of faith. Lastly, choosing the desires of the flesh over the will of God leads to spiritual defeat and divine discipline. Paul teaches that “the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit” (Gal 5:17), and Peter exhorts believers to “abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul” (1 Pet 2:11). The Christian must actively choose to walk by the Spirit (Gal 5:16), moment by moment, if he is to live victoriously. In sum, these hindrances—ignorance, fear, unbelief, self-reliance, worldliness, and fleshly desire—are not minor setbacks; they are spiritual roadblocks. The remedy is found in consistent intake of God's Word (2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2), transformation through mind-renewal (Rom 12:1-2), a life of faith anchored in divine promises (Heb 11:6), and moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength (Gal 5:16). Where faith flourishes, these hindrances fall. God's Word is Reliable Though Peter had personally seen and heard Christ (2 Pet 1:16-18), he told his readers, “We have the prophetic word made more sure” (2 Pet 1:19a). Other translations read, “we possess the prophetic word as an altogether reliable thing” (2 Pet 1:19a NET), and “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable” (2 Pet 1:19a NIV). The words “more sure” translate the Greek adjective bebaios (βέβαιος) which means reliable, dependable, or trustworthy. According to BDAG, it refers to “something that can be relied on not to cause disappointment.”[1] Kenneth Wuest states, “The idea here is of something that is firm, stable, something that can be relied upon or trusted in. The idea in the Greek text is, ‘We have the prophetic word as a surer foundation' than even the signs and wonders which we have seen.”[2] Robert B. Thieme Jr., notes, “God's Word is more real than empirical knowledge, more reliable than anything seen, heard, or felt (2 Pet 1:12–21). Unlike the grass that withers and the flowers that fade, ‘the word of our God stands forever' (Isa 40:8). God guarantees that His Word never goes forth without accomplishing His will (Isa 55:11).”[3] The point is that God's Word is absolutely reliable, “to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Pet 1:19b). This absolute reliability of Scripture flows from the unchanging character of God Himself. God is perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, and absolute in truth. He cannot lie, nor does He ever fail to keep His promises. As Scripture states, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num 23:19). Paul wrote that God “cannot lie” (Tit 1:2), and the writer of Hebrews affirms “it is impossible for God to lie” (Heb 6:18). Because of this, His Word is completely trustworthy. God never speaks in vain; His Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and able to pierce the deepest parts of the human soul (Heb 4:12). What He reveals is not merely informative—it is transformative. As Isaiah recorded, “so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isa 55:11). God's promises are as dependable as His character, and trusting in them is never misplaced faith—it is the most rational and secure response a believer can have. Conclusion In summary, the Christian life is a walk of faith that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in God's Word. Faith is not blind or speculative; rather, it is a confident trust in the revealed truths of Scripture, producing a life that seeks to honor God through obedience and reliance on His promises. To walk by faith is to live in active dependence on God, letting His Word shape our thinking, guide our actions, and strengthen us for every challenge we may face. The Holy Spirit works through the Scriptures to instruct, remind, and empower us, enabling us to live the Christian life. As believers, we are called to a disciplined life of learning and applying God's Word, and not trusting in experiences or feelings. The walk of faith is pleasing to God, honors Him, edifies others, and brings us mental and emotional stability. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div. [1] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 172. [2] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament, vol. 12 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 34. [3] Robert B. Thieme, Jr. “Word of God”, Thieme's Bible Doctrine Dictionary, (Houston, TX., R. B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries, 2022), 294.
In Romans 8:5-11, Paul reveals that the spiritual life we long for flows from allowing the Holy Spirit to govern our thoughts and perspectives. But while this sounds beautiful in theory, how do we practically cultivate this kind of spiritual mindset when we're bombarded with notifications, deadlines, and endless distractions? Drawing from Scripture and the wisdom of faithful saints throughout history, we'll explore practical principles that can guide us toward genuine spiritual maturity.
Talk on the occasion of Guru Purnima Celebration on 13 July 2025 by Swami Sunishthananda.BankDetails for Donations:CBAA/C Name: Vedanta CentreBSB 06 3159A/C: 1056 1620 Onlineclass talk links: YouTube Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNzjwJ9X5QOY6NnOtrL45KA/ Available Listening Platforms Anchor https://anchor.fm/swami-sunishthananda Breaker https://www.breaker.audio/vedanta-melbourne-classes Podcasts https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yZGUyMTRlMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1526036863/vedanta-melbourne-classes Pocket Casts https://pca.st/q0859ok9 Radio Public https://radiopublic.com/vedanta-melbourne-classes-G1PBQ4 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4N1MLlU3dfRvPUdz7xqY9l For more information visit https://www.vedantamelbourne.org/
Our Wealth in Christ: Our Spiritual Life - Ephesians 2:1-10 by South Sub Church
In S6E8 I sit down with scholar and author Tobias Churton to discuss his entry into the academic study of the esoteric, the meaning of occultism, the inherent secrecy of the spiritual life, pitfalls of the modern age and much more…Tobias:https://tobiaschurton.comThe Books of Enoch Revealed:https://a.co/d/cmoXHHHSUBSCRIBE to the ARCANVM Newsletter: https://ikebaker.com/newsletterFor all things Ike be sure to visit/message him at: https://ikebaker.comSUPPORT ARCANVM for $5/MONTH: https:patreon.com/arcanvm FOLLOW on Facebook: https:facebook.com/arcanvvm FOLLOW on Instagram: @a.r.c.a.n.v.m#gnosticism #hermeticism #esoteric #occult
In John 14 Jesus said, "Because I live, ye shall live." ******* 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
Repenting and reforming are never easy, but this is what keeps our faith alive and growing.For more on the topic of this issue, use GNM's WordByte: "Why is Mass the Best Way to Progress in the Spiritual Life?” @ https://wordbytes.org/faqs/mass-best-way-to-progress/ The text of this podcast can be found on our website @ https://gnm.org/daily-reflections/2025-07-15/ Subscribe to receive the Good News Reflections delivered to your email inbox or texted to your phone @ https://gogoodnews.net
In John 14 Jesus said that the truth is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. ******* 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
In John 14 Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.' ******* 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 fourth element to living an abundant life can be a challenging one for many of us: Spiritual Surrender. In this episode, however, Julie shares key Scriptures that offer us hope and three surrender shifts that refreshes our perspective on this subject. You'll leave this episode appreciating surrender's role in living the life you were designed to live. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!
In John 14 Philip told Jesus, "Show us the Father." ******* 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
Recover Your Soul: A Spiritual Path to a Happy and Healthy Life
Send one way text to Rev Rachel In this episode I am talking about addiction—not just the big, obvious ones like alcohol, but the subtle, often socially accepted habits like sugar, scrolling, shopping, or constant busyness that keep us disconnected from our wholeness. Even after more than seven years of sobriety from alcohol, I'm still looking at behaviors and uncovering patterns that no longer serve me… and that's what Soul Recovery is all about.I walk you through the full 9-Step Soul Recovery Process and share how I'm using it—right now—to address my own sugar addiction from a spiritual perspective. This isn't about shame or discipline. It's about curiosity, compassion, and the willingness to see what we've been using to protect ourselves and begin to make new choices that support our highest good.If you've ever found yourself stuck in a behavior you know isn't serving you… if you've made promises to yourself and broken them… if you're longing to feel more alive, more aligned, and more at peace with yoJoin the Recover Your Soul Community on Monday July 7th from 6-7PM Mountain Time on Zoom to connect with others on the journey. Visit RecoverYourSoul.net to register. If you have registered in the past look for the reminder email with the reoccurring Zoom link on that Monday (check your promotions folder). See you There! Ready to take your Soul Recovery journey deeper?Join Rev. Rachel in person for a transformative in-person weekend retreat—July 19–20 in Lafayette, Colorado, or September 13–14 in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more and reserve your spot. 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 show Rev. Rachel Harrison and Recover Your Soul www.recoveryoursoul.net FREE Support Group on Zoom 6-7PM MT on the 1st Monday of the Month Work the Soul Recovery Process with Rev Rachel TRYASESSION for 40% off your first Coaching session Working the Steps courses Instagram, Insight Timer, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook private Facebook group RYS Bonus Podcast Patreon Member or subscribing on Apple Podcasts. Transcripts
Fr. Joseph Illo joins Patrick to Discuss Spiritual Reading Why is spiritual reading important? (7:01) How do we approach spiritual reading? (20:47) Leonard – Came from my vocations director a week ago. Book Save a thousand Souls. It's a real spiritually touching book. Social media - Is there a book you recommend that would be an intro to many saints that would help us find interest in one or two? David - This is my Body, This is my Blood. Highly recommend. It's a fantastic book. (23:37) Break 1 How do you pace books well? (28:44) the importance of reading with other people. Valerie - Recommend The Return of the Prodigal Son. Talks about all characters very personally. (35:05) Matthew - Recommend after having a troubled time in my life - This Tremendous Lover, it's about our Lord. It came to me at a time when I was at a very low point in my life. (38:43) Break 2 (44:04) Teresa - True Life in God by Vasula Ryden - series of messages from God - received my conversion 33 years ago. Also, He and I by Gabriel Bossis. What is the importance of creating personal library Resources: To save a thousand souls https://www.amazon.com/Save-Thousand-Souls-Discerning-Priesthood/dp/0615345514 Lives of the Saints: For Everyday in the Year https://tanbooks.com/products/books/lives-of-the-saints-for-everyday-in-the-year/?srsltid=AfmBOorbIJan52fb17wS90p-Blxx9rUo0dJCYaXu3i3ikLZNJTUYtGTY Magnificat monthly publication https://us.magnificat.net/ This is my boy this is my blood –Bob and Peggy Lord https://www.amazon.com/This-Blood-Miracles-Eucharist-Books/dp/1580025161 See how she loved us https://www.amazon.com/See-How-She-Loves-Apparitions/dp/0895557185 True Devotion to Mary with Preparation for Total Consecration https://tanbooks.com/products/books/true-devotion-to-mary-with-preparation-for-total-consecration/?srsltid=AfmBOopC6X4ZkjZKwcKrbiHyqBEf2cPB9JZO1xDEN5YVOJ00VD2V8nBG The Practice of the Presence of God https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/1614279683 Christ the Life of the Soul https://www.sistersofcarmel.com/christ-the-life-of-the-soul-columba-marmion.php?srsltid=AfmBOoq3k2-epGEReP03NqNPkke9gn-l3EZk47GcCE5bBUfJyBfzvB30 The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming https://www.amazon.com/Return-Prodigal-Son-Story-Homecoming/dp/0385473079 This Tremendous Lover https://sophiainstitute.com/product/this-tremendous-lover/?srsltid=AfmBOorgIgiqGMuU0Y6gWszF-mISvzXmFXertLiLAI8hZouMEK1k-mzV The Imitation Of Christ https://catholicbookpublishing.com/products/the-imitation-of-christ-burgundy-320-00?srsltid=AfmBOorP6aOaeJn-qClgUvLqOp22eDtFgPCmqaZUCU9kq0mc3-Zii55W The Confessions of Saint Augustine https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Saint-Augustine-Edward-Pusey/dp/B0007ECBO2 Story of a Soul https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/story-of-a-soul?srsltid=AfmBOoqqKwMt-BcXkeVynXp4AKnl8j_OkgD-DxeNwCpFrrNrMFoXhkkt St. Thomas Aquinas https://www.amazon.com/St-Thomas-Aquinas-G-Chesterton/dp/0486471454 Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Hope-Biography-Pope-John/dp/0060732032 The Perfect Joy of Saint Francis https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Joy-Saint-Francis/dp/0898706661 Time for God https://www.amazon.com/Time-God-Jacques-Philippe/dp/1594170665 Searching For and Maintaining Peace https://sophiainstitute.com/product/searching-for-and-maintaining-peace/?srsltid=AfmBOor38jGYcePamYgouASbmGuzvrJ2jzJs_7bllgax_nyGO4eFtdBn The Way, Furrow, The Forge (One Volume) https://scepterpublishers.org/products/the-way-furrow-the-forge?srsltid=AfmBOooVI2HcGkpyEApvwbc5AeqqleA-qwl5108sHht4g6dd5Wjws4tQ Introduction to the Devout Life (Catholic Classics) https://ascensionpress.com/products/introduction-to-the-devout-life?srsltid=AfmBOopfQDIT2Tyb3arRKu-y2ucjndAD81GZz30Bxnuiy_gD4XXyr5ag Introduction to the Spiritual Life https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Spiritual-Life-Louis-Bouyer/dp/0870612816 The Sun Her Mantle https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Her-Mantle-John-Beevers/dp/B000U0TDDU True Life in God https://www.amazon.com/True-Life-God-Vassula-Ryden/dp/0954033884 He and I (Rev) https://www.amazon.com/He-I-Rev-Gabrielle-Bossis/dp/0819834386 The Sacrament of the Present Moment https://www.amazon.com/Sacrament-Present-Moment-Jean-Pierre-Caussade/dp/0060618116
All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4
Looking at John 14. ******* 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
To walk by faith is important to the spiritual life. Faith is a mental activity that relies on information. Biblically, faith is never blind. It is never an irrational leap into the unknown. Rather, it is a reasonable response that follows reliable information. Faith trusts facts. For example, none of us have personally seen the resurrected Christ, yet the record of Scripture is historically true and reliable, based on eyewitness accounts of people who walked with Jesus (Luke 1:1-4; John 20:27, 30-31; 21:24; Acts 4:20; 10:39; 1 Cor 15:3-8; 1 Pet 5:1; 2 Pet 1:16-19; 1 John 1:1). After Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to many people and gave proof of victory over sin and death. These eyewitnesses include Mary Magdalene and other women (John 20:10-18; Matt 28:8-9), two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32), the disciples without Thomas (John 20:19-25), the disciples with Thomas (John 20:26-29), the disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-23), Peter, James, and more than 500 brethren at one time (1 Cor 15:5-7), the disciples at Jerusalem before His ascension (Acts 1:3-9), Stephen at the time of his martyrdom (Acts 7:56), Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6; 1 Cor 15:8), and John on the island of Patmos (Rev 1:9-18). Faith in Christ comes from accurate historical accounts, so that even though we do not see Jesus, we believe in Him. Jesus told Thomas, “Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed” (John 20:29b). The writer of Hebrews said, “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Heb 11:1). Peter communicated something similar to believers, saying, “though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet 1:8-9). These early Christians rejoiced even though they had not seen Jesus personally. They accepted the testimony of reliable witnesses who had known Jesus, and their faith in Him resulted in the salvation of their souls.[1] Believing in Jesus as our Savior comes after we hear and accept as true the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4), thus conquering sin and death. Jesus accomplished what we cannot—our eternal salvation. When we hear this good news of what Jesus has done for us, we can place our faith in Him (John 3:16; Acts 4:12) and be fully assured of forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43; Eph 1:7) and eternal life (John 10:28; Rom 6:23). The benefits of the cross are applied to us the moment we believe in Jesus as our Savior. This simple act of faith results in our justification before God, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law” (Rom 3:28), and “we have believed in Christ Jesus so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law” (Gal 2:16). Eternal salvation is by grace alone (Eph 2:8-9), through faith alone (Rom 3:24, 28; 5:1), in Christ alone (Acts 4:12). After being born again by faith alone in Christ alone, we are to continue in faith. Paul wrote, “as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Col 2:6). We received Jesus by faith, and after being born again, we are to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). Dr. Steven R. Cook [1] The apostle John was an eyewitness to the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and like other eyewitnesses (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), he documented the historical events of Messiah. The whole of John's Gospel had a purpose, and that was to convince people that Jesus is the Messiah and that if they believed in Him, they would have eternal life. John wrote, “many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31). What John recorded in his Gospel is historically accurate and sufficient to lead a person to believe in Jesus as the Messiah and, after believing in Him, to be blessed with eternal life. That's good news! When we preach Christ, we provide the necessary information for others to make an intelligent decision to believe in Him for eternal life. The gospel is good news information about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor 15:3-4). At a moment in time, a single act of believing in Jesus as our Savior will save us eternally. The Jesus we believe in is the God-Man (John 1:1, 14; Col 2:9), the Jewish Messiah (Matt 1:1, 17), who was sinless (1 John 3:5), died a substitutionary death for everyone (Mark 10:45; Rom 5:8), paid our sin-debt in full (Col 2:14; Heb 10:10, 14), was resurrected on the third day (Acts 10:40; Rom 6:9), and is the only Savior of mankind (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). The only response from us is to accept the good news and believe in Jesus as our Savior, for “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
We've been talking about the flowing of the Holy Spirit. ******* 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
In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, hosts Adam Minihan and David Niles dive into the topic of spiritual idleness, drawing from Father Frederick Faber's Growth in Holiness: Progress of the Spiritual Life. Recorded around the Fourth of July, the episode begins with a celebration of small-town Americana, from mutton busting at the local rodeo to the ordination of their friend, Father Robert Williams. The hosts then explore seven developments of spiritual idleness—dissipation, sadness, sloth, and more—offering practical insights on how to stay vigilant and prioritize a life oriented toward God. Sipping on Balvenie's American Oak 12-Year Scotch, Adam and David discuss how modern distractions, like smartphones and excessive communication, fragment our focus and hinder our prayer life, and share strategies for cultivating presence, joy, and intentionality in both spiritual and daily routines.Key Discussion Points:Small-Town Americana: The hosts celebrate the Heart of America rodeo, mutton busting, and the communal prayer and patriotism of small-town events, reflecting on their importance in fostering connection.Priestly Ordination: David shares a moving story of his son's emotional response to Father Robert Williams' ordination, highlighting the eternal nature of the priesthood and the call to discernment.Spiritual Idleness Defined: Drawing from Father Faber's Growth in Holiness, the hosts unpack seven developments of spiritual idleness: dissipation (misprioritizing tasks), sadness (rooted in self-love), sloth (hatred of existence), useless industry (excessive communication), and general indifference to time.Dissipation's Impact: Putting less important tasks first disrupts the hierarchy of goods, leading to a loss of peace and distractions in prayer, as Faber notes: “He who is diligent will soon be cheerful.”Sadness and Self-Love: Sadness, driven by self-improvement rather than God, gives the devil power over the soul, undermining spiritual progress.Sloth as a Culmination: Sloth combines dissipation and sadness, fostering a distaste for existence and duties, disrupting the tranquility of order (Aquinas' definition of peace).Useless Industry: Faber's critique of excessive letter-writing in the 1800s applies to today's text messaging and social media, which fragment focus and reduce meaningful communication.Indifference to Time: Wasting time, especially on addictive platforms like YouTube Shorts, is a “stupid” sin that squanders the precious, irrevocable gift of time, which Faber calls “the stuff out of which eternity is made.”Focus and Presence: True focus requires saying “no” to distractions to prioritize God's will, fostering presence in both daily life and prayer, as exemplified by a man eating lunch under a tree without multitasking.Leisure Done Right: Leisure must align with one's state in life, be tethered to joy, and have a contemplative aspect, avoiding compulsory or utilitarian ends.Notable Quotes from Father Frederick Faber:“Dissipation… consists in putting things off beyond their proper times so that one duty treads upon the heels of another, and all duties are felt as irksome obligations.”“He who is diligent will soon be cheerful.”“The soul of sadness is self-love… How many are there whose real end in the spiritual life is self-improvement rather than God?”“Nothing gives the devil so much power over us [as sadness].”“Time is the stuff out of which...
reference: Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Looking from Within, Chapter 5, Attitudes on the Path, pg. 118This episode is also available as a blog post at https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/understanding-hypocrisy-in-the-context-of-spiritual-life/Video presentations, interviews and podcast episodes are allavailable on the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@santoshkrinsky871More information about Sri Aurobindo can be found at www.aurobindo.net The US editions and links to e-book editions of SriAurobindo's writings can be found at Lotus Press www.lotuspress.com
I love the old hymn "He Keeps Me Singing." ******* 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 talk was given by Gil Fronsdal on 2025.07.02 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This talk was given by Gil Fronsdal on 2025.07.02 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
Wakulla Springs ******* 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
Reading in community can take you more deeply into a book, and more deeply into the heart of friendship, too. If you've ever wanted to start a book group or wondered how to lead a class discussion on a classic work of literature, Jennifer Dow's wise counsel can help you do both. You don't have to know everything about a book in order to do this. Jennifer suggests that “If the goal is community and the hospitality that leads to healing, we must provide free space with clear, helpful boundaries. We must meet people where they are, at the same time offer or invite others to a vision of what can be, together, shoulder to shoulder. This expresses itself in the environment we curate, the content we behold, and the way we teach or read.” Join us to learn more about how to cultivate a reading atmosphere that leads to learning, growth, and relationship. About Jennifer Jennifer Dow is a classical teacher, speaker, and writer. Jennifer has completed the CiRCE Apprenticeship as a CiRCE certified Classical Teacher and has taught humanities, logic, rhetoric, and the fine arts since 2009. She is the founder of the Paideia Fellowship, an organization devoted to helping teachers and leaders, at home and school, teach the classical liberal arts. Jennifer's published works can be seen around the web, was a contributing author for The Lost Tools of Writing Level 1, published by The CiRCE Institute. Jennifer has spoken across the nation on how to teach and encounter the classical liberal arts and hosted The Classical Homeschool Podcast, been featured on Your Morning Basket Podcast with Pam Barnhill and The Commons with Brian Phillips. Currently, Jennifer is writing her first book about the journey of classical learning and teaching, serving as the Director of the Paideia Fellowship, and researching how parents, leaders, and teachers can provide an authentic and healing classical education to all. Jennifer, an Orthodox Christian, lives in North Carolina with her three children and enjoys spoken word poetry, trying her hand at fancy cuisine, collecting more books than she'll ever read, and the occasional Netflix binge. About Janice Janice Campbell, a lifelong reader and writer, loves to introduce students to great books and beautiful writing. She holds an English degree from Mary Baldwin College, and is the graduated homeschool mom of four sons. You'll find more about reading, writing, planning, and education from a Charlotte Mason/Classical perspective at her websites, EverydayEducation.com, Excellence-in-Literature.com, and DoingWhatMatters.com. Resources Standing by Words: Essays by Wendell Berry Awakening Wonder: A Classical Guide to Truth, Goodness & Beauty by Dr. Steve Turley Norms and Nobility: A Treatise On Education by David Hicks If you could choose any three books to give to a new homeschool mom, what would they be? Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life, by Henri Nouwen Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse The Liberal Arts Tradition, by Clark & Jain Connect Jennifer Dow | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Virtual Homeschooling Group | Facebook Group Janice Campbell | Instagram | Facebook | X | Pinterest | Website Homeschooling.mom | Instagram | Website Subscribe to our YouTube channel | YouTube Have you joined us at one of the Great Homeschool Conventions? We hope to see you there! For more encouragement on your homeschooling journey, visit the Homeschooling.mom site, and tune in to our sister podcast The Charlotte Mason Show. View full show notes on the blog.
What happened to the farm after Daddy passed away... ******* 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
Season two of “Preach” has wrapped. Before we pause until fall, please share what moved you this season, what you'd like more or less of, and any ideas for future episodes to shape next season's lineup. In this bonus episode, Ricardo and Maggi Van Dorn – his co-producer on “Preach” and producer of America Media's newest podcast – introduce “The Spiritual Life with Father James Martin, S.J.” They discuss what preachers can gain from the show and share the first episode featuring Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe. Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe is a Dominican friar, former Master of the Dominican Order, and a widely respected author. Pope Francis chose him as retreat leader for the Synod on Synodality. In this episode, he shares insights on Dominican spirituality, friendship with God, and living with cancer. “The Spiritual Life” is hosted by Father James Martin, S.J., a Jesuit priest, bestselling author, editor-at-large at America Media, and founder of Outreach. The show explores how people pray and find God in daily life. Each episode features listener questions answered by Father Martin and his guests in a relatable “Dear Abby of the soul” style. Guests include Stephen Colbert, Whoopi Goldberg, Pete Buttigieg, and Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe.
Recover Your Soul: A Spiritual Path to a Happy and Healthy Life
Send one way text to Rev Rachel In this heartfelt episode of the Recover Your Soul Podcast, I share one of the most powerful tools of Soul Recovery: learning to step off the emotional battlefield and into peace. Soul Recovery is a spiritual path that teaches us how to shift from reactivity to intentionality—not by bypassing our feelings, but by honoring them and choosing differently. In this episode, I offer real-life stories from my own journey, including a recent moment with Rich that reminded me how quickly old patterns can surface—and how empowering it is to pause and return to our truth. Together, we'll walk through the 9-Step Soul Recovery Process as a daily practice, not just a one-time checklist. Whether it's parenting, partnership, or past pain, we all have places where we've armored up to feel safe—but the battlefield never brings peace. You'll learn how to take your power back by laying down your weapons and picking up awareness, surrender, and grace. This episode is a gentle yet transformative invitation to sJoin the Recover Your Soul Community on Monday July 7th from 6-7PM Mountain Time on Zoom to connect with others on the journey. Visit RecoverYourSoul.net to register. If you have registered in the past look for the reminder email with the reoccurring Zoom link on that Monday (check your promotions folder). See you There! Ready to take your Soul Recovery journey deeper?Join Rev. Rachel in person for a transformative in-person weekend retreat—July 19–20 in Lafayette, Colorado, or September 13–14 in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more and reserve your spot. 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. 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 show Rev. Rachel Harrison and Recover Your Soul www.recoveryoursoul.net FREE Support Group on Zoom 6-7PM MT on the 1st Monday of the Month Work the Soul Recovery Process with Rev Rachel TRYASESSION for 40% off your first Coaching session Working the Steps courses Instagram, Insight Timer, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook private Facebook group RYS Bonus Podcast Patreon Member or subscribing on Apple Podcasts. Transcripts
All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4
Let's start with a story from my father's farm. ******* 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
Restore Broken Fellowship All believers sin, and there are none who attain perfection in this life (Prov 20:9; Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10). Chafer rightly notes, “We are never wonderful saints of whom God may justly be proud: we are His little children, immature and filled with foolishness, with whom He is endlessly patient and on whom He has been pleased to set all His infinite heart of love. He is wonderful. We are not.”[1] When we commit sin, we break fellowship with the Lord. For this reason, familial forgiveness is necessary for our fellowship with God to be restored. David understood the folly of trying to conceal his sins, which resulted in psychological disequilibrium and pain; however, when he confessed his sin, God forgave him (Psa 32:2-5). John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God forgives because it is His nature to do so, for He “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psa 86:15; cf. Psa 103:8-14). And He is able to forgive because Christ has atoned for our sins at the cross, satisfying the Father's righteous demands regarding our offenses. The apostle John wrote, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2). The challenge for many believers is to trust God at His word and accept His forgiveness and not operate on guilty feelings. William MacDonald states: "The forgiveness John speaks about here [i.e., 1 John 1:9] is parental, not judicial. Judicial forgiveness means forgiveness from the penalty of sins, which the sinner receives when he believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is called judicial because it is granted by God acting as Judge. But what about sins which a person commits after conversion? As far as the penalty is concerned, the price has already been paid by the Lord Jesus on the cross of Calvary. But as far as fellowship in the family of God is concerned, the sinning saint needs parental forgiveness, that is, the forgiveness of His Father. He obtains it by confessing his sin. We need judicial forgiveness only once; that takes care of the penalty of all our sins—past, present, and future. But we need parental forgiveness throughout our Christian life.[2] Be Filled with the Spirit Paul wrote to Christians, “don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit” (Eph 5:18 CSB). If a believer consumes too much alcohol, it can lead to cognitive impairment and harmful behavior. But the believer who is filled with the Spirit will possess divine viewpoint and manifest the fruit of godliness, worship, and thankfulness to the Lord (Eph 5:19-20). Being filled with the Spirit means being guided by Him rather than our own desires or the desires of others. The Spirit's guidance is always according to Scripture. Being filled with the Spirit does not mean we have more of Him, but that He has more of us, as we submit to His leading. Warren Wiersbe comments: “Be filled with the Spirit” is God's command, and He expects us to obey. The command is plural, so it applies to all Christians and not just to a select few. The verb is in the present tense, “keep on being filled”, so it is an experience we should enjoy constantly and not just on special occasions. And the verb is passive. We do not fill ourselves but permit the Spirit to fill us. The verb “fill” has nothing to do with contents or quantity, as though we are empty vessels that need a required amount of spiritual fuel to keep going. In the Bible, filled means “controlled by.” “They... were filled with wrath” (Luke 4:28) means “they were controlled by wrath” and for that reason tried to kill Jesus. “The Jews were filled with envy” (Acts 13:45) means that the Jews were controlled by envy and opposed the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. To be “filled with the Spirit” means to be constantly controlled by the Spirit in our mind, emotions, and will…But how can a person tell whether or not he is filled with the Spirit? Paul stated that there are three evidences of the fullness of the Spirit in the life of the believer: he is joyful (Eph. 5:19), thankful (Eph. 5:20), and submissive (Eph. 5:21–33). Paul said nothing about miracles or tongues, or other special manifestations.[3] Lewis S. Chafer wrote: "To be filled with the Spirit is to have the Spirit fulfilling in us all that God intended Him to do when he placed Him there. To be filled is not the problem of getting more of the Spirit: it is rather the problem of the Spirit getting more of us. We shall never have more of the Spirit than the anointing which every true Christian has received. On the other hand, the Spirit may have all of the believer and thus be able to manifest in him the life and character of Christ. A spiritual person, then, is one who experiences the divine purpose and plan in his daily life through the power of the indwelling Spirit. The character of that life will be the out-lived Christ. The cause of that life will be the unhindered indwelling Spirit (Eph 3:16-21; 2 Cor 3:18)."[4] Charles Ryrie states: "To be filled with the Spirit means to be controlled by the Spirit. The clue to this definition is found in Ephesians 5:18 where there is contrast and comparison between drunkenness and Spirit-filling. It is the comparison which gives the clue, for just as a drunken person is controlled by the liquor which he consumes, so a Spirit-filled Christian is controlled by the Spirit. This will cause him to act in ways which are unnatural to him, not implying that such ways will be erratic or abnormal, but asserting that they will not be the ways of the old life. Control by the Spirit is a necessary part of spirituality."[5] Walk by the Spirit Paul wrote, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). In this passage walking is a metaphor for daily living, which can be influenced by God (Deut 5:33; 10:12), other righteous persons (Prov 13:20), sinners (Psa 1:1; Prov 1:10-16; 1 Cor 15:33), or one's own sin nature (Gal 5:17-21). To walk in the Spirit means we depend on His counsel to guide and power to sustain as we seek to do His will. The Spirit most often guides us directly by Scripture. Jesus, speaking of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, said, “the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit helps the Christian know the Word of God, and to recall Scripture when needed for guidance. The Holy Spirit also works through mature believers—whose thinking is saturated with God's Word—to help provide sound biblical advice for others. Warren Wiersbe states: The New Testament calls the Christian life a “walk.” This walk begins with a step of faith when we trust Christ as our Savior. But salvation is not the end—it's only the beginning—of spiritual life. “Walking” involves progress, and Christians are supposed to advance in the spiritual life. Just as a child must learn to walk and must overcome many difficulties in doing so, a Christian must learn to “walk in the light.”[6] Charles Ryrie adds: Constant dependence on the power of the indwelling Spirit of God is essential to spiritual growth and victory. By its very nature, walking is a succession of dependent acts. When one foot is lifted in order to place it front of the other one, it is done in faith—faith that the foot that remains on the ground will support the full weight of the body. You can only walk by the exercise of faith. You can live the Christian life only by dependence on the Holy Spirit. Such dependence will result in the Spirit's control over the deeds of the flesh (Gal 5:17-21) and the Spirit's production of the fruit of the Spirit (vv. 22-23). Dependence on the power of God and effort on the part of the believer are not mutually exclusive. Self-discipline and Spirit-dependence can and must be practiced at the same time in a balanced spiritual life. Dependence itself is an attitude, but that attitude does not come automatically; it usually requires cultivation. How many genuine Christians there are who live day after day without even sensing their need of dependence on Him. Experience, routine, pride, self-confidence all tend to drag all of us away from that conscious dependence on God which we must have in order to live and act righteously.[7] Dr. Steven R. Cook [1] Lewis Sperry Chafer, He That Is Spiritual, 150. [2] William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2310-11. [3] Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary: New Testament, Vol. 2 (Colorado Springs, Col., Victor Publishing, 2001), 48. [4] Lewis S. Chafer, He that is Spiritual, 43-44. [5] Charles C. Ryrie, “What is Spirituality?” Bibliotheca Sacra 126 (1969): 206. [6] Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary: New Testament, Vol. 2, 479. [7] Charles Ryrie, Balancing the Christian Life (Chicago. Ill., Moody Press, 1994), 198.
Today's meeting for the Afro-Euro Reco12 Recovery Resource will be a talk by Purdy, a Reco12 Favorite, who will speak on "The Spiritual Life is Not a Theory, We Have to Live It."Reco12 Afro-Euro Timezone is a Reco12 Resource in and for the Afro-Euro time zone hosted by Karen A. We hope that you will join us and draw strength and hope from these podcasts that we will host about every Friday at 10:00 am Israel time and 8:00 am GMT. Today, Laura shares her experience, strength, and hope.Reco12 appreciates your help in keeping us working our 12th Step with these great resources and services for the addict and loved ones. We gratefully accept contributions to help cover the costs of the Zoom platform, podcast platform, web hosting, and administrative costs. To become a Reco12 Spearhead you can quickly and easily become a monthly donor here: https://www.reco12.com/support or you can do one-time donations through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/reco12) or Venmo: @Reco-Twelve . Thanks for your support!If you would like to get in contact with either Karen A or Purdy please send an email to reco12pod@gmail.com and we will get you connected with them.Information on Noodle It Out with Nikki M Big Book Roundtable Informational Seeking and educating on how to donate to Reco12.Support the showPrivate Facebook GroupInstagram PageBecome a Reco12 Spearhead (Monthly Supporter)PatreonPayPalVenmo: @Reco-TwelveYouTube ChannelReco12 WebsiteEmail: reco12pod@gmail.com to join WhatsApp GroupReco12 Shares PodcastReco12 Shares Record a Share LinkReco12 Noodle It Out with Nikki M PodcastReco12 Big Book Roundtable Podcast
Jesus said that 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
Where do wars and evil come from? ******* 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
People live in the flesh realm. Many people don't even know there is a spiritual world. ******* 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
Episode OverviewDavid and Adam share humorous anecdotes from their chaotic home lives—mice-catching kids, runaway cows, and pig feeder mishaps—before diving into a deep discussion on spiritual growth. Drawing from Father Frederick Faber's Growth in Holiness, they explore five practical signs of progress in the spiritual life, offering insights for men seeking to deepen their relationship with God. The episode balances lighthearted banter with profound reflections on humility, perseverance, and living intentionally for Christ.Key Discussion PointsLife Updates:Adam recounts his son Leo's antics, including catching mice and feeding them into traps, and opening a gate, letting a cow escape during relentless Oklahoma rain. He also shares the challenges of a kitchen remodel, leading to household disorder and a mouse infestation.David discusses his pigs knocking over their feeder, eating through plywood, and his frustration-driven rebuild with metal siding, highlighting the manual labor woes of farm life.Spiritual Focus: The hosts explore Father Frederick Faber's Growth in Holiness (published by Cor Iesu Press), focusing on Chapter 1's five signs of progress in the spiritual life. Faber, a 19th-century Oratorian and convert, offers timeless clarity on Catholic spirituality.Contradictions in the Spiritual Life: Faber notes the spiritual life is full of contradictions due to our fallen nature, particularly the tension between knowing ourselves deeply while thinking of ourselves humbly. David challenges the modern adage that humility is “thinking about yourself less,” arguing that true humility requires rightly ordered self-reflection.What Not to Do:Don't Ask Your Spiritual Director for Progress Reports: Faber advises against seeking your spiritual director's judgment on your progress, as it places unfair pressure on them and risks oversimplifying complex spiritual states.Avoid Arbitrary Benchmarks: Setting personal, artificial markers of progress can lead to disquietude, distracting from genuine growth and forfeiting graces.Five Signs of Spiritual Progress:Discontent with Your Present State: A desire to be holier, coupled with humility and gratitude for past graces, indicates progress. This discontent must avoid sloth (acedia) or unease with devotional practices.Constant Fresh Starts: Persevering through repeated failures by recommitting to holiness (e.g., overcoming a persistent sin like pornography) is a sign of growth, reflecting perseverance.Specific Goals in View: Actively pursuing a particular virtue, overcoming a specific fault, or adopting a penance shows intentionality, akin to a business plan for spiritual growth.Feeling God's Particular Call: An “attraction” to a specific fault to correct or pious work to undertake, guided by the Holy Spirit, signals progress. Not all experience this, but it's significant when present.General Desire for Perfection: A broad desire to be more perfect, if acted upon through prayer, penance, or zealous acts, is valuable but must be channeled into action to avoid spiritual stagnation.Practical Reflections:Adam shares his practice of writing down elements of a “good day” (waking early, praying, reading, working hard, family dinner, early bedtime) to replicate satisfying days, aligning with Faber's call for specific goals.David reflects on overcoming obsessive thoughts by offering gratitude to God, transforming burdens into opportunities for grace, illustrating the power of fresh starts.Hot...
What causes all the unrest in humanity? ******* 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
All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4
This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are thrilled to speak with their friend and colleague Father James Martin about his new podcast, “The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.,” which launched this week. We then share Jim's conversation with actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg. Whoopi is known for playing a larger-than-life nun in “Sister Act,” but did you know she was also raised Catholic and educated by nuns until the eighth grade? Jim and Whoopi talk about her struggles with organized religion, the importance of laughter in a life of faith and her bold request to Pope Francis when they met in 2024. Links from the show: Listen to (or watch) “The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J., on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Whoopi Goldberg on God, authenticity and ‘acting the fool' Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and the importance of friendship in the spiritual life LAST CHANCE TO JOIN THE FIRST-EVER JESUITICAL RETREAT! Join us at the studio and headquarters of America Media in New York City for two days of community, prayer and sharing stories of faith. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how we make the podcast, meet fellow young Catholics, pray with America staff and editor in chief Sam Sawyer, S.J., share meals and craft your own faith story with accompaniment from our team. There are only a few spots left, so sign up here today! We can't wait to meet you. Jesuitical Young Adult Retreat: What's Your Story? Open to ages 21-39 Friday, June 27th (evening) + Saturday, June 28th (all day) New York, NY Friday: America Media Office – 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036 Saturday: Jesuits USA East Province – 39 E 83rd St, New York, NY 10028 Cost: $100 Housing: Participants are responsible for their own lodging in NYC Capacity: The retreat will be capped at 30 participants. First come, first served. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, on Karl and Crew, we kicked off our “going under the hood” weekly theme with a discussion about the unseen spiritual disciplines that cultivate our spiritual lives. Spiritual disciplines are practices that grow and deepen our spiritual lives, such as prayer, fasting, or quiet time with the Lord. What is an unseen discipline that is most beneficial to your spiritual life? We had a few of our listeners answer this question and share their stories. We also had Dr. Ronnie Floyd join us to speak on the importance of fasting. Dr. Floyd is a speaker, author, and encourager dedicated to helping others, committed to the next generation, and empowering leaders. He is also the host of the weekly podcast called “For Leaders Podcast with Ronnie Floyd.” Dr. Bill Thrasher also joined us to provide insight into finding delight in our prayer life. Dr. Thrasher is the Lead Professor in the Master’s Program in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship at Moody Bible Institute. He is also a frequent speaker across the country. He has also written several books, including “How to Resurrect a Dead Prayer Life: Transforming Your Prayers Into a Spirit-Empowered, Life-Giving Adventure.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recover Your Soul: A Spiritual Path to a Happy and Healthy Life
Send one way text to Rev Rachel The greatest power we have is the choice to shift our perception. Before we discover Soul Recovery, so many of us live in a constant loop of “why is this happening to me?”, feeling like victims of our circumstances — whether it's our family, our health, or the state of the world. In this heartfelt episode, I share how my own journey taught me that while we're powerless over what happens outside of us, we hold absolute authority over how we respond inside ourselves. This is sovereignty — not denial or spiritual bypassing, but a profound remembering of our divine nature and a commitment to see life through the eyes of love. Together, we explore how to stop feeding fear, how to meet challenges — including health struggles — with compassion and practical action, and how to stand firm in our wholeness no matter what storms rage around us. Soul Recovery invites us to witness our responses without judgment, release old patterns and beliefs, deepen our connection to something greater still, and live from the sanctuary of our heart. From this space, we're “in the world but not of it” — participating fully in our human experience while rooted in a higher perception that keeps us centered, peaceful, and empowered. You are not alone — you are not a victim — and your inner power is waiting to be awakened.Ready to take your Soul Recovery journey deeper?Join Rev. Rachel in person for a transformative in-person weekend retreat—July 19–20 in Lafayette, Colorado, or September 13–14 in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more and reserve your spot. 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. 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 show Rev. Rachel Harrison and Recover Your Soul www.recoveryoursoul.net FREE Support Group on Zoom 6-7PM MT on the 1st Monday of the Month Work the Soul Recovery Process with Rev Rachel TRYASESSION for 40% off your first Coaching session Working the Steps courses Instagram, Insight Timer, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook private Facebook group RYS Bonus Podcast Patreon Member or subscribing on Apple Podcasts. Transcripts
What lessons does a parish priest who battled the Devil (and won) have to share with us? Matthew Leonard is joined by author Kevin Wells who has published a great, very unique little book that shares the practical secrets of a holy life from St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars.