Podcasts about strive

This week one of our elders, Andy Leisewitz, preaches out of Hebrews 12:14-17, reminding us that when we live a life pleasing to God, we step into the fullness of His promises!

2 Timothy 2:14-26 | Pastor Jeffrey Susila. One thing: Strive to be a worker approved by God. How should we strive to be a worker approved by God:I. Rightly handle God's Word (vv. 14-29)II. Rightly handle yourself (vv. 20-26)

Read Online“The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.' His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.'” Matthew 25:20–21Oftentimes, when we are presented with a story of success versus tragedy, our attention goes to the tragedy first. The parable we are given today, the Parable of the Talents, presents us with three persons. Two of the people display stories of great success. One, however, offers a story that is more tragic. The tragic story ends by the master telling the servant who buried his money that he is a “wicked, lazy servant!” But both of the success stories end with the master saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.” Let's focus upon these success stories.Both of the servants who were successful doubled the master's money. Even from a secular point of view, that is very impressive. If you were investing money with a financial advisor and shortly after investing you were told that your money had doubled, you'd be quite pleased. Such a rate of return is rare. This is the first message we should take from this parable. Doubling the gifts and graces God gives us is very doable. The reason for this is not primarily because of us; rather, it's because of God. By their very nature, God's gifts to us are meant to grow. By its very nature, grace flows in superabundance; and, when we cooperate with God's grace, then it grows in an exponential way.When you consider your own life, what gifts has God given to you that He wants you to use for His glory? Are there gifts buried away that remain stagnant or, even worse, are used for purposes that are contrary to the divine plan for your life? Some of the more obvious gifts you were given within your very nature are your intellect and will. Additionally, you may be extra-talented in one way or another. These are all gifts given on a natural level. In addition to these, God often bestows supernatural gifts in abundance when we begin to use what we have for His glory and for the salvation of others. For example, if you work to share the truths of our faith with others, God will begin to deepen your supernatural gifts of Counsel, Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding so that you will be able to speak about God and His will. All seven of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are among the clearest examples of supernatural gifts given by God as follows: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord. The prayer that concludes this reflection comes from a traditional novena to the Holy Spirit and not only asks for these gifts but also gives a short description of them for a better understanding. Reflect, today, upon the fact that what God has given to you, both on a natural and supernatural level, must be devoted to the service of God and others. Do you do this? Do you try to use every talent, every gift, every part of who you are for God's glory and the eternal good of others? If you don't, then those gifts dwindle away. If you do, you will see those gifts of God's grace grow in manifold ways. Strive to understand the gifts you have received and firmly resolve to use them for God's glory and the salvation of souls. If you do, you will also hear our Lord say to you one day, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”Oh, Lord Jesus Christ, grant me the Spirit of Wisdom, that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding, to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel, that I may choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining Heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude, that I may bear my cross with Thee and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge, that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety, that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable; the Spirit of Fear of the Lord, that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Willem de Poorter, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Muazh Ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه (S40) Muazh رضي الله عنه: “A woman cannot fulfill the rights of her husband. Strive your best to do so”. The Messenger ﷺ: “If a woman knew her husbands rights, she wouldn't sit whilst he was eating, she'd wait till he had finished”. The Messenger ﷺ: “…Men are the Sayeds of their families. Women are the Sayedas of their homes”. The Messenger ﷺ: “The best amongst you are those who are best to their women”. A man may fall short in Salah, Zakat, Fasting etc - but if he treats his women with utmost care, then he is the best amongst us. May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى allow us to carry out such noble acts.

As you know, we talk about a variety of topic on this podcast, although mostly we focus on things that can help us grow as people, and spread more positive content in a world that desperately needs it. Today we're not going to focus on just one thing. On today's episode, Tony Wechsler and Tom Maher are going to discuss all kinds of fun things such as “Aliens, Prison, Brain Injuries, KISS and Free Water.”  Tom can be reached at his website: https://tommahercpcc.com/Or on Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/tommahercpcchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tommaher1/As always, you are invited to join the Strive to ThriveFacebook group for a supportive community.... https://www.facebook.com/groups/strivetothrivepage   BTW...If you love this episode, please take a screenshot, share it on your Facebook story and tag me @TonyWechsler And remember to download the eBook, Strive to Thrive at https://tonywcoaching.com/  

Every Wednesday and Friday in August we will publish some of our favourite audio long reads of 2025, in case you missed them, with an introduction from the editorial team to explain why we've chosen it. This week, from January: doctors are pushing the limits of science and human biology to save more extremely premature babies than ever before. But when so few survive, are we putting them through needless suffering? By Sophie McBain. Read by Chloe Pirrie. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

“How long will it be ere they believe me?” — Numbers 14:11 Strive with all diligence to keep out that monster unbelief. It so dishonours Christ, that He will withdraw His visible presence if we insult Him by indulging it. It is true it is a weed, the seeds of which we an never entirely […]

Homily of Fr. Mike O'Connor from Mass on August 27, 2025 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, MS. Readings 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:27-32 If you would like to donate to OLG and her livestream ministry, please go to https://olgchurch.net/give

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Sam Black, Director of Recovery Education at CovenantEyes, to explore the journey of online accountability and recovery from pornography. Sam shares how Covenant Eyes has evolved over 25 years, shifting from simple filtering to a relational, ally-based approach. We then dive into CovenantEyes' Victory app and its features, including emotional check-ins, family management, and supportive courses for men, women, and parents. Sam also announces a special book giveaway and encourages listeners to take the next step toward freedom with these practical, faith-based resources.To get access to all of CovenantEyes' resources, visit CovenantEyes.com. (And use code bebroken to try out their services free for 30 days.)FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY!Sam agree to give away 10 FREE copies of his book, The Healing Church. To get your free copy, send an email to psr@bebroken.org and put "FREE Healing Church Book" in the subject line. First 10 respondents will get a free copy.Topics Covered in this Episode: History and mission of Covenant Eyes, focusing on relational accountability.Evolution of terminology from "accountability" to "ally" to foster supportive relationships.Development and features of the Victory app as a companion tool for recovery.Importance of educational resources and community support in overcoming pornography addiction.Challenges faced in app development, including technological and platform guidelines.Overview of the app's functionality, including accountability reports and communication features.Accessibility of the Victory app for both men and women, addressing diverse needs.Introduction of new features like the check-in process for emotional monitoring and progress tracking.Emphasis on viewing relapses as learning opportunities rather than failures.Availability of additional resources, such as the Strive 21 program and the book The Healing Church.More Resources:Victory App by CovenantEyesSTRIVE: 21-Day Porn DetoxFind a Support GroupRelated Podcasts:Porn, Technology, and Self-ControlHow Group Work Will Transform Your Recovery JourneyBeyond the Porn Phenomenon: Barna Group Research on Porn Use----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

August 27, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 13:22-30Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 9:1-9; 10:1-13; 2 Corinthians 5:1-21“Strive to enter through the narrow door… And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:24a, 29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. St. Monica encouraged her son, Augustine, toward the narrow door. She lived out her faith as an example. She prayed for her son and sought advice from her pastor and bishop, St. Ambrose. Yet it felt like nothing she did could move her son to faith.Meanwhile, Augustine seemed to stray further from the narrow door of Christ and into the wide open perils of the day. His education introduced him to unbiblical and anti-Christ philosophies. In our times, we might say that he went off to school and partied, never checking out the campus ministry. He even fathered a baby outside of marriage.There was nothing Monica could do to make Augustine go to the narrow door. For that matter, nothing that Augustine could do or say or think would get him to that door either. But that's the point.The Holy Spirit is the One who calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies. God answered Monica's countless prayers favorably and eventually brought Augustine to faith. He turned him around and crafted Augustine into one of the greatest pastors and teachers of the faith in the history of the Church. But all of that had nothing to do with Augustine's or Monica's choices. It was the work of God.The Spirit led Augustine, as He has led you, to the saving Gospel of Christ. The broad and easy road of this world is tempting and looks fun, but it only leads to death and destruction. Looking for other paths and entrances only leads to “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” It is the narrow door of Christ alone that brings you salvation.  Be comforted, dear friends in Christ! In this passage, Jesus tells you that you have already been called to faith. You don't need to look any further. The Holy Spirit has gathered you and multitudes from east and west, from north and south, to recline at table in the kingdom of God. As you receive the Holy Eucharist at His Table, He gives you the forgiveness and strength to continue the way to and through the narrow door of Jesus to be resurrected and live with Him eternally. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, who is the Comforter of those that mourn, and the Salvation of those that hope in You, who graciously regarded the tearful pleading of saint Monica for the conversion of her son Augustine: grant, we implore You, that we may truly lament our sins and be made worthy to obtain Your gracious pardon; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

Luke 13:22-30  (ESV)The Narrow Door22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.' 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!' 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Luke 13:22-30Jesus passed through towns and villages,teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.Someone asked him,"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"He answered them,"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,for many, I tell you, will attempt to enterbut will not be strong enough.After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,then will you stand outside knocking and saying,'Lord, open the door for us.'He will say to you in reply,'I do not know where you are from.And you will say,'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'Then he will say to you,'I do not know where you are from.Depart from me, all you evildoers!'And there will be wailing and grinding of teethwhen you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacoband all the prophets in the kingdom of Godand you yourselves cast out.And people will come from the east and the westand from the north and the southand will recline at table in the kingdom of God.For behold, some are last who will be first,and some are first who will be last."

Luke 13:22-30Jesus passed through towns and villages,teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.Someone asked him,"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"He answered them,"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,for many, I tell you, will attempt to enterbut will not be strong enough.After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,then will you stand outside knocking and saying,'Lord, open the door for us.'He will say to you in reply,'I do not know where you are from.And you will say,'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'Then he will say to you,'I do not know where you are from.Depart from me, all you evildoers!'And there will be wailing and grinding of teethwhen you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacoband all the prophets in the kingdom of Godand you yourselves cast out.And people will come from the east and the westand from the north and the southand will recline at table in the kingdom of God.For behold, some are last who will be first,and some are first who will be last."

August 26, 2025 Today's Reading: Hebrews 12:4-24 (25-29)Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-63; 2 Corinthians 4:1-18“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Peace. In the news, we hear about working toward peace in places like Israel and its neighbors, Russia and Ukraine, China, North Korea, and many more. We can define this word regarding international politics as getting along with other nations and ending any conflict and violence. Yet so much more is packed into the word “peace.”Peace can describe the perfect relationship of God and humanity, of an individual with everyone else, and all creation. God created everything, relating to it all in His peace. On the other hand, Satan and his cronies despise God and His peace. They work at frustrating His peace among people and creation. Sadly, all too often, we are willing to jump on the bandwagon of working against God's peace by making everything about ourselves. “Me! Me! Me!” we cry, fixating on what makes me happy, even if it is not good or helpful or loving for others. Old Adam isn't very peaceful, is he?The Lord speaks through the author of Hebrews today, telling you to strive for peace and holiness. Your old sinful self could never do this. Christ Jesus, however, can and did. With His suffering, death, and resurrection, He restored our peace with God. This peace is now delivered by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit has called you by the Gospel, enlightened you with His gifts, sanctified and kept you in the true faith. As He does this, He is drawing you back into a healed and restored relationship with God—that is His peace!That's right! As God's baptized child, you have received His peace. Now you live in faith, and God tells you here in Hebrews to continue in that peace. Strive for it. Work towards it. Be an instrument of God's peace with everyone. How? You strive for peace as you encourage others to hear His Word and receive His Sacraments. You strive for peace as you live out your faith by loving and serving your neighbor, placing them and their needs above your own. And the Spirit does exactly that, giving God's peace to you and through you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord be our light when worldly darkness veils us; Lord, be our shield when earthly armor fails us; And in the day when hell itself assails us, Grant us your peace Lord: Peace in our hearts, where sinful thoughts are raging, Peace in Your Church, our troubled souls assuaging, Peace when the world its endless war is waging, Peace in Your heaven. (LSB 659:3,4)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

August 24, 2025. Fr. Tyler's homily for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. Enjoy!   Gospel Luke 13:22-30 Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.' He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from. And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.' Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!' And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

When Jesus was asked, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He responded, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate." This homily looks at the heart-to-heart communion Jesus invites us into...

August 24, 2025. 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time homily by Fr. Matt Lowry about how Jesus invites us to strive for the narrow gate. We will encounter difficulties, which will make us stronger, and Christ will be with us, leading us to what is worth it, life with Him eternally.

As Football season approaches, Father Joshua Fons challenges us to consider whether, in our Faith, we are just a spectator or whether we are in the game. In the Gospel this Sunday, August 24th, 2025,  we hear Jesus asked about salvation: "Will only a few people be saved?" Rather than give us a percentage, or a theory, treating us like spectators, Jesus gives us a command: Strive. Strive to enter by the narrow gate. This is personal. Each of us is called to strive to enter by the narrow gate. There are no spectators in this. We need to get in the game.

Reading 1Isaiah 66:18-21Thus says the LORD:I know their works and their thoughts,and I come to gather nations of every language;they shall come and see my glory.I will set a sign among them;from them I will send fugitives to the nations:to Tarshish, Put and Lud, Mosoch, Tubal and Javan,to the distant coastlandsthat have never heard of my fame, or seen my glory;and they shall proclaim my glory among the nations.They shall bring all your brothers and sisters from all the nationsas an offering to the LORD,on horses and in chariots, in carts, upon mules and dromedaries,to Jerusalem, my holy mountain, says the LORD,just as the Israelites bring their offeringto the house of the LORD in clean vessels.Some of these I will take as priests and Levites, says the LORD.Reading 2Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13Brothers and sisters,You have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children:"My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lordor lose heart when reproved by him;for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;he scourges every son he acknowledges."Endure your trials as "discipline";God treats you as sons.For what "son" is there whom his father does not discipline?At the time,all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain,yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousnessto those who are trained by it.So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.Make straight paths for your feet,that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.GospelLuke 13:22-30Jesus passed through towns and villages,teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.Someone asked him,"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"He answered them,"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,for many, I tell you, will attempt to enterbut will not be strong enough.After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,then will you stand outside knocking and saying,'Lord, open the door for us.'He will say to you in reply,'I do not know where you are from.And you will say,'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'Then he will say to you,'I do not know where you are from.Depart from me, all you evildoers!'And there will be wailing and grinding of teethwhen you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacoband all the prophets in the kingdom of Godand you yourselves cast out.And people will come from the east and the westand from the north and the southand will recline at table in the kingdom of God.For behold, some are last who will be first,and some are first who will be last."

Fr Greg preaches about how we Strive to Enter Through the Narrow Door from Luke 13:22-30, and how Jesus himself says: “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.”

8/24/2025 - Luke 13:22-30 - Pastor Sean DemingSermon Videohttps://youtu.be/dEkmq7eINE8Full Worship Servicehttps://youtu.be/d6c5L9kIxuMChildren's Message (Video)https://youtu.be/lIwSKjpNM7U~~Recent Videos:https://www.faithmoorpark.com/recent~~Prayer Requests:https://www.faithmoorpark.com/prayers~~Visit our web site to learn more about Faith Lutheran Church. Watch View past worship services, sermons, bible studies, and devotions.https://www.faithmoorpark.com/~~Support Faith Lutheran Church:Online Giving:https://www.faithmoorpark.com/giving~~Faith Lutheran Church is part of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (LCMS) located in Moorpark, California.

Guest preacher Pastor Phil Alexander gives his sermon at the 11am worship service at Bethlehem.

Read Online“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.” Matthew 23:13Today begins Jesus' “Woe to you…” condemnations of the scribes and Pharisees. He issues seven subsequent condemnations. The one quoted above is His first. At the time, Jesus' condemnations of these religious leaders fell mostly on deaf ears. They were obstinate and would not listen to what Jesus had to say. But it's useful to note that these condemnations appear to actually be spoken about the scribes and Pharisees to the disciples and the crowds to whom Jesus was speaking.Though there are many lessons we can learn from our Lord, let's consider the first thing He says. He condemns hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is essentially saying one thing and doing another. It's a disconnect between what we say and what we do. Hypocrisy can also come in the form of trying to present oneself as if one has every virtue under Heaven but in reality cares little for the clear doctrine and moral precepts given us by God. In the scripture passage, the scribes and Pharisees claimed to be leading people to salvation, but they were condemning the very source of salvation. On one hand, some of what they taught was true, but they failed to teach with the virtue that comes from God. On the other hand, some of what they taught was flat-out erroneous, because they were more concerned about their public persona than they were about the truth. Essentially, they were hypocrites, because their words and actions were neither united in the truth nor lived through the virtues given by God.These two opposing tendencies seem to be a source of much division within our Church today. On the extreme “right,” we have those who preach doctrine but fail to exercise the necessary virtue so as to be effective instruments of those truths. And on the extreme “left” are those who act as if so-called virtue is all that matters. They deemphasize the clear and unambiguous moral and doctrinal truths that were given to us by our Lord, so that others will praise them for appearing kind, accepting and compassionate toward all. The problem is that one cannot exclude truth from virtue or virtue from truth. Compassion is not compassionate if it lacks truth, and the truth is not true if it is not presented with the virtues by which our Lord wants them brought forth. And though the scribes and Pharisees appear to be more focused upon their interpretations of various truths to the exclusion of virtue, their struggle with hypocrisy is just as real for those on both extremes today.Reflect, today, upon the importance of embracing each and every moral and doctrinal precept given by our Lord. We must embrace everything He says with every fiber of our being. Reflect, also, upon how you express these teachings of Jesus to others. Do you strive to present the full Gospel with the greatest virtue? The deeper the truth, the more necessary is the virtue with which it is presented. And the more virtue you have, the better instrument of the full truth you will be. Strive to overcome every form of hypocrisy within your life by working toward true holiness. Holiness is wholeness. The Truth united to virtue. Only then will you escape from the condemnation of our Lord, but you will also thrive as a pure instrument of His saving grace.My saving Lord, You desired deeply that the religious leaders of the time be powerful instruments of Your saving Gospel by presenting all truth in pure love. Please free me from every error so that Your holy Word will be alive in me and will be sent forth to others through the manifestation of the many virtues You wish to bestow. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Father Hudgins' homily: Strive to Enter In

Friends of the Rosary,As we read today (Luke 13:22-30), the Lord Jesus was asked if only a few people would be saved. He answered,"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,for many, I tell you, will attempt to enterbut will not be strong enough.”All those who accept Christ and follow his words and commandments will enter the Kingdom. God the Father invites all to heaven, providing all the grace and help necessary. But, as we enjoy free will, salvation is in our hands. If we abuse freedom, fail to exercise self-restraint, and make wrong choices, the doors of eternity will be closed.We should have sought his mercy and his forgiveness during our earthly life, and he would have granted it.Acquaintance with Christ won't be enough. Hearing the doctrine and refusing to be true disciples will exclude us from salvation.Each one of us stands or falls by our own mode of life during our term on earth.We deal with God's mercy while alive on earth. He forgives any sin if we truly repent and resolve to correct these faults.Every man who lives in God's grace will die in God's grace and be numbered among the saved.The man who lives habitually in sin and refuses to amend his life will die in his sinful state and therefore exclude himself from eternal salvation.We have free will, and can choose to pass that final examination or to fail it on the day of judgment.Eternity, life after death, depends on our choice. We fight to avoid being among the lost souls!Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠August 24, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Jesus passed through towns and villages,teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.Someone asked him,"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"He answered them,"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,for many, I tell you, will attempt to enterbut will not be strong enough.After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,then will you stand outside knocking and saying,'Lord, open the door for us.'He will say to you in reply,'I do not know where you are from.And you will say,'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'Then he will say to you,'I do not know where you are from.Depart from me, all you evildoers!'And there will be wailing and grinding of teethwhen you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacoband all the prophets in the kingdom of Godand you yourselves cast out.And people will come from the east and the westand from the north and the southand will recline at table in the kingdom of God.For behold, some are last who will be first,and some are first who will be last."

***At the end, the last five minutes is a bonus hymn from our 10AM Holy Mass***We moderns have so arranged our religious instincts that we think the divine voice must always sound like a lullaby, when in fact it often sounds like a trumpet. We wish to hear of lilies and sparrows, forgetting that even lilies toil and sparrows fall. So when Christ, with the thunder of truth behind His quiet Galilean voice, declares: “Strive to enter by the narrow gate”, we are brought to a sudden and sobering attention. It is the call not of consolation, but of combat.It is the strange and startling reality of Christianity that it begins with a paradox and ends with a challenge. The paradox is that the gate to life is narrow, while destruction's road is spacious and easy. The challenge is that we must strive—not drift, not dawdle, not meander—but strive, as one who sweats in the effort to reach something worth attaining. The narrow gate does not admit the flabby soul or couch potato. It is a door carved not in comfort, but in courage.The narrow gate is hard because it is honest. It makes no allowance for pretension. One cannot swagger through it, carrying the weight of vanity or the baggage of pride. It allows no masks, for it was carved by Him who sees the inner hidden heart. We must stoop to enter it. The tall towers of self-importance will not pass through. The narrow gate is entered singly, like birth and death.And yet, what joy is hidden in this austere invitation! For though it is narrow, it is not closed. Though it is small, it is open to all. The child can pass through as well as the philosopher. The thief on the cross passed through it in the final hour. It is not guarded by angels with flaming swords, but by truth and repentance. That is why the striving is not the striving of the proud, but of the penitent.There are those who say the world has grown too wide for such a narrow gate. But I say it is precisely because the world is so wide and wild that we need that slender doorway more than ever. The soul must have a compass. The heart must have a harbor. In an age that flings itself into every appetite, it is the narrow gate that preserves “God's image and likeness” in each of us. So then, let us strive—not with clenched fists, but with open hands. Let us strive to surrender, which is the most paradoxical of all efforts. For in striving to enter the narrow gate, we are not striving to become less, but more truly ourselves—less stuffed with shadows, and more filled with light. We are not constricted, but released.Christ's words are not the locked door of a vault, but the narrow entrance to a kingdom beyond all imagining. And if it is hard to enter, it is only because Heaven is too large to fit through the doorway of the ego. Let us bow low. And then, let us walk through. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Read OnlineJesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” Luke 13:22–24 The context of this passage provides insight into Jesus' mission and His concern for each and every person. Note that Jesus was traveling toward the large and populous city of Jerusalem. But as He traveled, He passed through “towns and villages” and taught the people as He went. This might seem like a small detail, but it is also a significant one.A city like Jerusalem was large and often had wealthy, influential, and “important” people. The less-populated towns  had borders and often some form of local government. Villages were much smaller rural areas, often made up of poorer, less educated, less influential, and simpler people. One historian, Josephus, wrote that there were about 240 villages throughout Galilee at the time Jesus lived. It's interesting to note that Jesus wanted to teach everyone. He didn't care if they were wealthy and powerful people in the large city or peasant farmers and shepherds from the countryside. His mission was to all.One thing this teaches us is that we, also, must have love and concern for everyone, regardless of their social status. Each and every person is equal in dignity. From the president of a large country, to the beggar in an alleyway, everyone deserves our respect and attention in an equal way.Our fallen human nature experiences various forms of temptation. Among them are temptations for riches, power and prestige. For that reason, we tend to admire those who have obtained worldly success because we want it for ourselves. As a result, we tend to show greater respect for those who have achieved what we covet and give less attention to those who do not have that success. This, of course, goes to the heart of the problem.When you think about the people whom you have encountered recently, what comes to mind? Perhaps your “encounter” was to read about someone's great success in the financial world. Or perhaps it was to read about someone's demise in another way. Perhaps a neighbor has done well and purchased a new car, or a friend got fired from a job. Whatever the case may be, it is important to consider the level of personal respect and love you show for each person. It must be equal. Worldly status cannot determine how we treat others. This is hard to avoid.The teaching that Jesus gave to those in the towns and villages was an exhortation to holiness. “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” And at the end of today's Gospel, Jesus says, “For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” The latter statement must have especially resonated with those who felt somewhat insignificant and unimportant in life. Those who felt like they were “last” would have received a certain hope. This tells us that God never measures us by our successes from a worldly standpoint. He measures us only on the level of our fidelity to His holy will. Reflect, today, upon how you look at all people. Do you see every person in the way that God sees them? Do you see everyone with equal dignity and worth? Or do you elevate those whom you envy and whose success you covet? Seek to eliminate all worldly ways of looking at others so that you will only look at others through the lens of their dignity and fidelity to the will of God. Lord, as You journeyed through life, You looked only at the hearts of those You encountered. You treated each person with dignity and love. Please help me to shed all temptations to see others through the eyes of the world and to show full respect to all of Your sons and daughters. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

For the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on striving for Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

Joy is more than just a good mood—it's that deep, lasting feeling of happiness and contentment that stays with you. It often flows naturally when you feel healthy, achieve success, or experience those happy moments life can give us. The more you focus on what's going well, the more joy you invite into your life. But how can we find and express joy, even when we're not there yet? On today's episode, Tony Wechsler and Gloria Kim are going to discuss, Finding Joy through Self Expression. Gloria Can be reached at her website: https://www.familiesforjoy.comOr in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamazon_glo/As always, you are invited to join the Strive to ThriveFacebook group for a supportive community.... https://www.facebook.com/groups/strivetothrivepage   BTW...If you love this episode, please take a screenshot, share it on your Facebook story and tag me @TonyWechsler And remember to download the eBook, Strive to Thrive at https://tonywcoaching.com/  

For the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on striving for Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

In this episode, we will explore ideas such as: God's call goes out to all, but only those who respond with faith and obedience will enter into the kingdom of heaven. God is forming you through suffering. Strive to enter by the narrow gate. What is the narrow gate? The readings can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082425.cfm For more info about Keith, visit: https://down2earthministry.org/ Due to copywriting issues, Keith uses the RSV translation.

What if discipline isn't about becoming someone better—but about learning to live from the truth of who you already are? In this episode, we continue our conversation on discipline—not as punishment or control, but as the sacred practice of forming identity through daily habits of love, truth, and presence. We explore how discipline aligns with our new identity in Christ, and how we help our children grow into that truth—not by force, but by faithfulness. You'll hear stories of real formation—what it looks like in parenting, in marriage, and even in how we relate to ourselves. We talk about the awkward, vulnerable process of “showing up to spring training” after receiving the gift of a new identity—and how discipline is God's invitation to grow into that gift with grace, humility, and trust. This episode is not a list of parenting techniques—it's a reminder that formation happens in the small, sacred choices we make each day to believe what's true and build habits that reflect it. You're in the Right Place If… ✔ You want to help your children live from their identity in Christ—not just earn your approval ✔ You're wondering how to grow into the truth of your own identity when it still feels unfamiliar ✔ You're looking for a better way to parent than control—but you still want real structure and growth ✔ You long for family rhythms that feel secure, grace-filled, and aligned with the kingdom of God Key Takeaways: Discipline isn't punishment—it's the daily, steady work of forming identity and maturity. We're all being formed by something—the only question is… are we choosing it, or drifting into it? Small, intentional habits—meaningful conversations, returning to joy, asking for help—quietly rewrite the story our families live in. You don't have to get it perfect to make it powerful. Real growth happens in the ordinary, imperfect, love-soaked moments. Let's Keep Growing Together: Share this episode with a friend who's longing for a better way to parent—or simply to live loved. Visit John15Academy.com for more articles and a growing library of resources to help you live, love, and lead from a place of freedom. Resources We Mention: Article: Discipline Is Not What You Think: How Habit Training Forms the Soul Practicing the Art of Being Family (eBook): A simple, grace-filled guide for real-life family transformation Episode #161: The Three Instruments of Formation—How Atmosphere, Discipline, and Life Shape Your Family's Story Article: The Three Doors: Why Families Survive, Strive, or Find Freedom The Curated Life Newsletter: Join the community for encouragement and resources to live loved, not afraid Let's Stay Connected: We're a donor-supported ministry that helps families and communities restore the lost art of being family through consulting, curriculum, speaking, and storytelling. Explore more and support our work at John15Academy.com/give. Together, there is great hope.

Jesus warns us that judgment will come. We cannot expect peace when we continue to run from God's peace. Declaring that we have peace where there is none will never bring us closer to peace. But in the warning of judgment, there is hope for peace.

Join our next BoldBrush LIVE! Webinar by signing up here:https://register.boldbrush.com/live-guestOrder your exclusive da Vinci BoldBrush paintbrush set!https://brushoffer.com/collections/boldbrushLearn the magic of marketing  with us here at BoldBrush!https://www.boldbrushshow.com/Get over 50% off your first year on your artist website with FASO:https://www.FASO.com/podcast/---For today's episode we sat down with Erik Koeppel an American landscape painter celebrated for reviving the Hudson River School style through his masterful technique, philosophical approach, and dedication to traditional craft and artistry. He emphasizes the importance of studying the old masters not just to copy, but to truly understand and internalize the knowledge behind their work. Erik encourages artists to focus on the quality and truth of their art, rather than chase market trends or fame, believing that genuine dedication to craft ultimately leads to success. He offers practical advice on maintaining honest relationships with galleries, stressing the necessity of price consistency and open communication to build trust and stability. Erik also highlights the value of sketching from memory and observation, as a means to develop a personal vision and deeper understanding of nature. Above all, he inspires artists to pursue their own path with integrity, reminding them that striving for greatness and authenticity is the most rewarding journey of all. Finally, Erik reminds us to stay updated with his future exhibitions by signing up for his newsletter!Erik's FASO site:https://www.erikkoeppel.com/Erik's Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/erik_koeppel_art/https://www.facebook.com/erik.koeppel

In this powerful episode of the Covenant Eyes Podcast, hosts Karen Potter and Theo McManigal sit down with Jim O'Day, Executive Director of Integrity Restored, a Catholic ministry helping men and women break free from the grip of pornography.Jim shares his raw and personal story—from working as a nightclub dancer in New York City, to a life-changing encounter with Christ, to leading a global movement that combines science, spirituality, and accountability.Together, they explore:How porn distorts true masculinity and intimacyWhy accountability and community are essential for healingJim's transformative encounter that brought him back to faithThe role of science, therapy, and spiritual growth in overcoming addictionWhether you're struggling with pornography, supporting a loved one, or seeking hope in your own faith journey, this conversation will inspire and equip you with practical tools for freedom.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 | Pastor Daniel Orozco

Worship Leader Taylor Cummings challenges us to honestly assess what we're chasing and to align our time and focus with a genuine desire to be close to God, reminding us that our hearts follow our treasure.

Ever been told you need to try harder to be like Jesus? It's easy to get swept up in the hustle for cleaner living and better behavior, thinking it'll boost your standing with God.But striving to be more like Jesus suggests you're not already like Him. If you're always trying to become something you're not, you'll never arrive. What if true growth is about realizing you're already like Jesus?In this episode, I dive into how embracing your identity in Christ liberates you to live from your new tendency and trend. Check it out and discover that a believer's default setting isn't sin – it's righteousness!We hope you enjoyed this episode. Since we're a nonprofit organization, episodes like these are only made possible by friends like you.You can help us continue sharing God's message of grace with the world here: https://andrewfarley.org/donate/Connect with Dr. Andrew Farley here:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAndrewFarleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandrewfarleyTwitter: https://twitter.com/DrAndrewFarleyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drandrewfarleyWebsite: https://www.andrewfarley.org/

A diplomat represents their home country's interests by fostering international relations, negotiating agreements, and addressing certain political issues. A key part of the job is to foster positive relationships with individuals and organizations in the host country to promote understanding and cooperation. So how can learning about this help you with success in life, and in business? On today's episode, Tony Wechsler and Alicia Wang are doing to discuss how to have a passport to potential - a diplomat's guide to success. Alicia can be reached on Social Media at: https://www.facebook.com/aliciayhwanghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciayhwang/https://www.instagram.com/aliciayhwangAnd join her FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/valuereacheracademyAs always, you are invited to join the Strive to ThriveFacebook group for a supportive community.... https://www.facebook.com/groups/strivetothrivepage   BTW...If you love this episode, please take a screenshot, share it on your Facebook story and tag me @TonyWechsler And remember to download the eBook, Strive to Thrive at https://tonywcoaching.com/  

“The big learning for me is leaning on your team, leaning on your network, leaning on your colleagues. Because you don't have the capacity to be thoughtful in all of these different areas.” - Christopher Antonopoulos What does it take to be an entrepreneur? Christopher Antonopoulos, CEO and Founder of Measured Results Marketing, claims the secret is the genetic propensity and how it combines with environmental factors. Christopher shares anecdotes about his journey from a resourceful childhood selling vegetables to leading a successful marketing firm. He and Laurie also discuss the future of marketing automation, the role of AI, and practical strategies for handling business uncertainties. Christopher offers insights into building effective teams, the importance of dealing with ambiguity, and leveraging networks for success. The episode is filled with valuable advice for entrepreneurs on embracing innovation and making impactful business decisions.   Takeaways: Cultivate confidence in your decisions and actions. Don't let fear of failure prevent you from taking calculated risks. Develop the ability to make decisions with incomplete information. Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to navigate uncertain situations is crucial. Always be open to learning, whether through formal education, mentorship, or experimenting within your business. Strive for a 360-degree view of your customers. Use analytics and insights to tailor your products and services to their needs and preferences.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.    ✨

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kaylie and Dr. Ashdin, managing partners at Strive2Move, to share the real story of how we built a thriving business together. From early struggles to building a profit-sharing partnership, we cover the lessons, mindset shifts, and systems that made it possible.   You'll hear: - How Dr. Ashdin and Dr. Kaylie started at Strive to Move - The turning point from losing money to record-breaking months - Why trust, transparency, and clear roles are key to scaling - The partnership structure that keeps everyone motivated and invested   If you've ever thought about bringing on a partner—or becoming one—this episode is your inside look at what works and what to avoid.   Click here to apply for a guest pass for the next Rehab Chiro Mastermind Live on September 13-14 in Bridgewater, NJ   Follow us on Instagram: @justinrabinowitz   Want more free resources?

In the years following the pandemic, the U.S. saw a historic surge in small business creation—a promising sign of entrepreneurial spirit and economic resilience. Yet, if historical trends continue, nearly half of these new businesses will fail within five years. Small businesses in rural communities face even steeper challenges, from lack of access to capital to limited digital tools and networks. And yet, the promise of small businesses is immense: they are powerful engines for economic mobility, creating pathways for families and individuals to build lasting financial stability and opportunity.We invited Jonathan Fantini-Porter, Senior Vice President for the Americas at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, to talk about how the Center is working to change the trajectory for small business owners through Mastercard Strive USA. This bold initiative aims to unlock $50 billion in lending capital, reach five million small businesses, and strengthen ecosystems that enable them to thrive. With more than $46 billion in capital already unlocked and millions of businesses reached, Mastercard Strive USA is proving that when small businesses grow, communities grow with them.Listen for insights on:Designing scalable, systems-level solutions that align with business strategyThe power of data, technology, and AI in advancing inclusive economic developmentAdvice for early-career professionals seeking to grow in social impact and corporate sustainability rolesResources + Links:Jonathan Fantini-Porter's LinkedInMastercard Center for Inclusive GrowthMastercard Strive USA (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Mastercard (01:23) - Jonathan's Background (03:05) - Moving to Mastercard (04:40) - Lessons from Parents (08:05) - Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (09:54) - Setting the Goal (12:12) - Strive USA (14:52) - Rural America (17:23) - Small Businesses (19:19) - Integrating AI (22:22) - Advice (25:24) - Last Words (29:00) - Wrap Up

Neil shares his personal "Rune Laws" for life, a set of 14 guiding principles that have significantly impacted his journey in tutoring, teaching, and coaching. With a focus on practical advice and a no-nonsense approach, Neil emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences, pursuing happiness, and being self-reliant. He encourages listeners to explore their limits, practice gratitude, and continuously learn, all while staying true to their own values and goals. KEY TAKEAWAYS Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Avoid toxic people and instead, cultivate relationships with those who inspire and uplift you. Your future is influenced by the company you keep. Pursue Happiness and Abundance: Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. Embrace a mindset of abundance and generosity, recognising that you have the right to enjoy life and share your blessings with others. Be Proactive and Self-Reliant: Take charge of your own life and decisions. Relying on others can lead to dependency; instead, focus on being self-sufficient and driving your own path. Commit to Continuous Learning: Never stop expanding your knowledge. Regularly read, listen to podcasts, or engage with experts to keep your mind sharp and informed. Practice Gratitude and Self-Acceptance: Appreciate the opportunities you have each day and focus on being content with yourself. Strive to please yourself rather than seeking validation from others, and recognize the importance of gratitude in fostering a positive outlook on life. BEST MOMENTS "Don't deal with tossers. The people around you matter more than you think, and your future will be just like theirs." "If all you do is stuff that makes you happy, your life will be better. Don't do the miserable making things." "Be self-reliant. Don't count on other people to come through for you in the clinch, because nobody is coming to the rescue." "Explore your limits and push them. Ask yourself every day, what am I actually capable of?" "Practice gratitude. Be happy you're not dead. Today's a gift. Tomorrow is only a promise." VALUABLE RESOURCES www.Neilcowmeadow.com info@neilcowmeadow.com HOST BIO Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years' experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil's invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Every family is practicing discipline—even if we don't realize it. But the question isn't whether discipline is happening… it's what kind of discipline is happening—and whether it's forming fear, frustration, or secure, lasting maturity.  Some discipline conforms us to the patterns of this world; kingdom discipline transforms us into the truth of who God created us to be. In this episode, we reframe discipline as the quiet, relational work of forming the soul—not controlling behavior. We explore how real discipline starts with us, flows through meaningful conversations, and shapes our families for the long haul. We also share relatable stories, unpack the common pitfalls that often undermine discipline, and invite parents—and grandparents—into a better way to grow. You're in the Right Place If… ✔ You're tired of reacting to your child's behavior and want to lead with love and intentionality ✔ You've ever wondered how to build trust with your children—not just obedience ✔ You want practical ways to guide your kids with integrity, not control ✔ You believe discipline should shape identity, not shrink it with shame Key Takeaways: Discipline isn't punishment—it's the quiet, daily formation of character, identity, and belonging. Meaningful conversations are one of the most powerful tools of discipline when they model safety, truth, and connection. Real growth begins when we stop reacting to behavior and start responding to the deeper needs beneath it. As Hebrews 12:6 reminds us, “The Lord disciplines those He loves.” When we let God form us, we're equipped to guide our families with love, not fear. Resources We Mention: Article: Discipline Is Not What You Think: How Habit Training Forms the Soul Practicing the Art of Being Family (eBook): A simple, grace-filled guide for real-life family transformation Episode #161: The Three Instruments of Formation—How Atmosphere, Discipline, and Life Shape Your Family's Story Article: The Three Doors: Why Families Survive, Strive, or Find Freedom The Curated Life Newsletter: Join the community for encouragement and resources to live loved, not afraid Let's Stay Connected: We're a donor-supported ministry that helps families and communities restore the lost art of being family through consulting, curriculum, speaking, and storytelling. Explore more and support our work at John15Academy.com/give. Together, there is great hope.

Today's podcast is an emotional and personal discussion between two friends reflecting on the passing of Ozzy Osbourne. They share anecdotes about their discovery of his music and the impact he had on their lives as fans, particularly regarding his ability to transcend musical eras and recreate his image. The conversation also explores the significance of music in coping with life's challenges and honoring the memory of loved ones. Ultimately, it serves as a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne's legacy and an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own lives and relationships. Key Takeaways: Embrace and openly express your emotions and feelings. Persevere through challenges and adapt to new situations to achieve longevity. Recognize and appreciate new talent, even if it initially seems different or unconventional. Strive to be the best version of yourself and give your utmost effort in every endeavor. Value and actively connect with your loved ones, making the most of every moment.

This episode delves into the crucial role of well-positioned goals in a developer's career. It asserts that goals provide clarity, perspective, and purpose, particularly focusing on clarity as a primary benefit. The discussion challenges common struggles with goal setting, including the often-overlooked importance of relevance (the 'R' in SMART goals), suggesting that an irrelevant goal, no matter how specific or measurable, is ultimately ineffective. The core message highlights that the purpose of a goal is to serve as a clarifying and prioritising tool, enabling you to make decisions about what to do and focus your efforts, rather than simply doing work that is handed to you. You will learn to start small and focus on desired outcomes or what you want to be true, accepting that a goal only needs to be "directionally correct" rather than perfect. The episode also provides a practical heuristic: to set goals by considering how your boss will evaluate your performance in the future. It emphasises the importance of setting goals that are challenging but sustainable, avoiding common pitfalls like overly abstract, too easy, or demoralisingly difficult goals, to prevent disengagement and burnout. Ultimately, consistent goal setting and reflection are presented as key drivers for long-term career success.Understand the fundamental importance of goals in providing clarity, perspective, and purpose in your career, especially for driven developers.Recognise that relevance is the most critical factor in goal setting; a goal's specificity or measurability is meaningless if it is not the right goal for you.Grasp that the primary function of a goal is to help you make decisions about what to do, acting as a clarifying, prioritising, and focusing tool for your efforts.Challenge the mindset that your goal as a software engineer is merely to complete assigned work; without personal goals, your career changes and skill development will be difficult.Learn to start small when setting goals and focus on desired outcomes or what you genuinely want to be true in your career.Embrace the concept of a "directionally correct" goal, understanding that a goal does not need to be perfect to guide you effectively towards a larger, long-term outcome.Utilise reflection after meeting a goal to assess whether it moved you closer to your long-term objectives, providing valuable steering for future goals.Employ a practical heuristic for goal setting: imagine how your boss would evaluate your performance in six months or a year, and set goals around those anticipated factors.Be proactive in discussing career growth and goal setting with your manager, framing it as an opportunity for them to direct your efforts towards organisational wins.Identify and avoid common pitfalls in goal setting, such as goals that are too abstract (not tractable), too easy (causing disengagement), or too difficult (leading to demoralisation).Strive for goals that offer a challenging but sustainable chance of success (e.g., around a 60% probability), requiring focus and the ability to say no, without leading to burnout.Understand that consistency in setting and pursuing goals is what ultimately defines long-term success, rather than the perfection of any single goal.