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••• Strategies for Overcoming Fear, Ep 421b . ••• Bible Study Verses: Genesis 3:1-24, Matthew 14.22-31 . ••• Part-A Bible Verses: Genesis 3:1-24, Proverbs 23:7, Roman 8:15, 2 Timothy 1:7, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 10:27, Proverbs 16:6, Proverbs 22:4, Proverbs 29:25, Matthew 10:28, Matthew 6:34 . ••• “In one way we think a great deal too much of the atomic bomb. “How are we to live in an atomic age?” I am tempted to reply: “Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and cut your throat any night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of syphilis, an age of paralysis, an age of air raids, an age of railway accidents, an age of motor accidents. In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation... It is perfectly ridiculous to go about whimpering and drawing long faces because the scientists have added one more chance of painful and premature death to a world which already bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty. This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds” CS LEWIS On Living in an Atomic Age” (1948) in Present Concerns: Journalistic Essays † ••• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4.6-7, NKJV . ••• What are the 5-places fear comes from? (continued) ••• What are 7-strategies for overcoming fear? ••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you will be more intentional about overcoming fear through the power of Holy Spirit? Part-A Bible Study Questions: ••• What are the 3-dimensions of fear? ••• What are the 3-types of fear? ••• What are the 5-places fear comes from? ••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible.••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is a listener supported production by all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ .••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Etty Fidele Photography, Paris France, https://www.fideletty.com/, https://www.instagram.com/fideletty/, https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/FideleEtty, Art Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• † https://www.cslewis.com/us/resources/ .••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/ep421b-winning-the-battle-of-the-mind-pt4b . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• RESOURCE: FREE Max Maclean Chronological Audio Bible! https://tinyurl.com/godspeaks777 . ••• RESOURCE - PRAYER@SWRC.COM . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• FERP250321 Episode#421b GOT250321 Ep421b . ••• Winning The Battle Of the Mind, Part-4b of 10: Strategies for Overcoming Fear, Ep 421b . ††† Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Study Guide The Gemara cites a second braita featuring five arguments against the Baytusi claim that the Omer offering must always be brought on the first Sunday following the first day of Pesach. The braita concludes by deriving from the biblical verses that both the harvesting and the counting of the Omer must take place at night, while the actual sacrifice is offered during the day. Rava reviews the nine rabbinic arguments presented against the Baytusim(compiled from both braitot) and systematically rejects the first three claims found in each. The Mishna continues by describing the process of singeing (parching) the barley grains. Rabbi Meir and the Sages disagree regarding the specific stage at which this is done and the manner in which it should be performed. Any barley flour remaining after the sifting process is redeemed. The Sages and Rabbi Akiva dispute whether this redeemed flour is ultimately exempt from tithing.
A landmark social media addiction trial is happening in California. Meta (Instagram) and Google (YouTube) versus a child who got captured by the content-driven life, which drove her to mental illness and suicidal thoughts. When YouTube VP Chrisos Goodrow took the stand, he noted that they don’t want people addicted to YouTube any more than they’re addicted to reading….” Is YouTube neutral? Sure, it can be used as a utility for learning, but in the hands of kids who want to be seen, heard, validated, and viral – is this platform actually in the same category as books? Articles referenced: YouTube Exec Says Goal Was Viewer Value Not Addiction Scripture referenced: 1 Corinthians 6:12 Book a Speaking Event!! Buy the NEWLY UPDATED book: Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised & Updated) Get Kelly’s new Study Guide & Workbook, with video teachings for small groups. Check out our brand new Brave Parenting Merch Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s happening without social media – a win for everyone!
March 18 |Exodus 26:30-27:21, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 11:16-17 // Follow along with the "Walking through the Word Daily Reading and Study Guide" in the Daily Life Journal and Daily Life Journal 4 Kids! Get your copy today, or grab a gift for someone you love. lifereachresources.com/core4
Study Guide The Gemara cites a second braita featuring five arguments against the Baytusi claim that the Omer offering must always be brought on the first Sunday following the first day of Pesach. The braita concludes by deriving from the biblical verses that both the harvesting and the counting of the Omer must take place at night, while the actual sacrifice is offered during the day. Rava reviews the nine rabbinic arguments presented against the Baytusim(compiled from both braitot) and systematically rejects the first three claims found in each. The Mishna continues by describing the process of singeing (parching) the barley grains. Rabbi Meir and the Sages disagree regarding the specific stage at which this is done and the manner in which it should be performed. Any barley flour remaining after the sifting process is redeemed. The Sages and Rabbi Akiva dispute whether this redeemed flour is ultimately exempt from tithing.
This year is the final volume of our Five Year Journey in the JESUS series, and we're calling it The Crossovers. That's because it's stories, miracles, teachings and parables that are found in multiple gospels. They're iconic, and if multiple authors recorded these stories, it probably means everyone knew them. They were important then and now. Study Guide: https://mountaintopchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Crossovers-Study-Guide-2026.pdf Learn more about Mountaintop Church at https://mountaintopchurch.com
••• Strategies for Overcoming Fear, Ep 420a . ••• Bible Study Verses: Genesis 3:1-24, Proverbs 23:7, Roman 8:15, 2 Timothy 1:7, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 10:27, Proverbs 16:6, Proverbs 22:4, Proverbs 29:25, Matthew 10:28, Matthew 6:34 . ••• Part-B Bible Verses: Genesis 3:1-24, Matthew 14.22-31 . ••• “In one way we think a great deal too much of the atomic bomb. “How are we to live in an atomic age?” I am tempted to reply: “Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and cut your throat any night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of syphilis, an age of paralysis, an age of air raids, an age of railway accidents, an age of motor accidents. In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation... It is perfectly ridiculous to go about whimpering and drawing long faces because the scientists have added one more chance of painful and premature death to a world which already bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty. This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds” CS LEWIS On Living in an Atomic Age” (1948) in Present Concerns: Journalistic Essays † ••• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4.6-7, NKJV . ••• What are the 3-dimensions of fear? ••• What are the 3-types of fear? ••• What are the 5-places fear comes from? ••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you will be more intentional about overcoming fear through the power of Holy Spirit? Part-B Bible Study Questions: (continued)••• What are the 5-places fear comes from?••• What are 7-strategies for overcoming fear? ••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible. ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is a listener supported production by all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ . ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Etty Fidele Photography, Paris France, https://www.fideletty.com/, https://www.instagram.com/fideletty/, https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/FideleEtty, Art Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• † https://gracequotes.org/author-quote/phillips-brooks/ , Phillips Brooks was an American clergyman and author . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/ep420a-winning-the-battle-of-the-mind-pt4a . ••• RESOURCE: FREE Max Maclean Chronological Audio Bible! https://tinyurl.com/godspeaks777 . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• FERP250314 Episode#420a GOT250314 Ep420a . ••• Winning The Battle Of the Mind, Part-4a of 10: Strategies for Overcoming Fear, Ep 420a . ††† Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Adam Haman returns to discuss with Bob the legacy to economics left by Murray Rothbard and Roger Garrison, in light of the 100th anniversary of Rothbard's birth and the recent passing of Garrison.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The YouTube version of this conversation.Rothbard's Man, Economy, and State and Bob's Study Guide to it.Garrison's 1984 journal article. The home base of his amazing PowerPoints.Bob's journal article on Garrison's model related to neoclassical growth theory.This episode's sponsor, The Swan Brothers.The HamanNature substack.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.
In commemoration of Murray Rothbard's 100th birthday, Bob shares five “greatest hits” from Rothbard's economics, covering deficits vs. inflation, monopoly theory, excess capacity, the time structure of production, and his reconstruction of utility and welfare economics.Related:Rothbard, Making Economic Sense: Mises.org/HAP541aRothbard, "Toward a Reconstruction of Utility and Welfare Economics": Mises.org/HAP541bRothbard, Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market: Mises.org/HAP541cBob's Study Guide to Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market: Mises.org/HAP541dJoin the Mises Institute on Saturday, April 25 in San Diego, CA to discuss California's fall from grace. Today, it's known for high taxes, bureaucrats, and leftwing billionaires. Is this a warning to the rest of America? Register now at Mises.org/CAHAPThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Hayek for the 21st Century. Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree
In commemoration of Murray Rothbard's 100th birthday, Bob shares five “greatest hits” from Rothbard's economics, covering deficits vs. inflation, monopoly theory, excess capacity, the time structure of production, and his reconstruction of utility and welfare economics.Related:Rothbard, Making Economic Sense: Mises.org/HAP541aRothbard, "Toward a Reconstruction of Utility and Welfare Economics": Mises.org/HAP541bRothbard, Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market: Mises.org/HAP541cBob's Study Guide to Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market: Mises.org/HAP541dJoin the Mises Institute on Saturday, April 25 in San Diego, CA to discuss California's fall from grace. Today, it's known for high taxes, bureaucrats, and leftwing billionaires. Is this a warning to the rest of America? Register now at Mises.org/CAHAPThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Hayek for the 21st Century. Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree
Tonight is the 23rd night. And because the Islamic calendar begins at Maghrib, tonight is already Friday night. Many of our pious predecessors said that when an odd night of Ramadan falls on a Friday night, the likelihood of it being Laylatul Qadr increases.This is the night we've been hunting for all year. So do extra. Make lots of du'a. Don't waste a minute of it.And as it happens — alhamdulillah — the ayat we reach tonight in Surah Al-A'raf are about du'a itself. About how to make it, what should be in our heart when we make it, and why it is the very heart of all worship. Allah has a way of doing that.A paid subscription includes a free digital copy of the Surah Al-A'raf Study Guide and Workbook. Now That You Know Who He Is — Call HimWe spent two nights on ayah 54. We talked about the six stages of creation, about Prof. Jenkins' framework, about matter and antimatter, about why physicists keep stopping just short of saying “God” — and why that has everything to do with European trauma and nothing to do with the evidence.The point was this: Allah introduced Himself. He is the one who created the heavens and the earth. The sun, the moon, the stars — all operating under His command. And this matters because now ayah 55 opens with a natural next step.You know who your Lord is. So call Him.Ud'u rabbakum tadarru'an wa khufya.Call your Lord with tadaru' — with humility — and khufya — quietly.The Outer and the InnerTadaru' captures two things at once: humility on the outside and humility on the inside. Both. Together.The external side — your body posture when you make du'a. You don't stand chest out, arms crossed, making demands. You beg. And the way we beg is with our palms open, raised to the sky. The Prophet ﷺ taught us this. And he said that Allah is — and I want you to sit with this — embarrassed when His servant raises his hands to the sky and then puts them back down empty.That's not to say Allah owes us anything. He doesn't. But it tells you something about how much He loves to hear from us. He is waiting for us to call. He wants us to call. So when we raise our hands, He will not let us lower them without answering.The Prophet ﷺ when making du'a would look downward — hands raised, gaze lowered. The qibla of salah is the Ka'bah. The qibla of du'a is the sky. But in moments of great need, moments of complete brokenness, he would raise his hands high and look upward. Not demanding. Just — there is no one else. There is nowhere else to turn. Ya Allah.Then there is khufya — quietly. The companions were once marching and making du'a at the top of their lungs. The Prophet ﷺ told them to bring it down. Your Lord is not deaf. He hears you.So the outer dimension of du'a: humble posture, lowered voice.But there is also the inner dimension — and that comes in the next ayah.What Du'a Feels Like on the InsideAyah 56: Khawfan wa tama'an. Make du'a with fear and longing.We talked about tama' a few nights ago in the context of the people of A'raf. In Malay it means greedy — but in Arabic it means something different. It means a deep, intense desire for something. You want it so much. So tama' in du'a means you are making du'a with a genuine ache for it. Not going through the motions. Actually wanting.And khawf — fear. What are we afraid of? Not that Allah won't answer. But that we are not worthy of the answer. That we might be arrogant enough to think we've earned it. The khawf keeps us humble. It stops du'a from becoming a transaction — Ya Allah, I've been to taraweeh 23 nights straight, so now give me what I want, or I'm not coming tomorrow. That is not du'a. That is negotiation.Khawf and tama'. Fear and hope. These two things together are not just for du'a — they carry us through our entire journey to Allah.Think about what happens when they get out of balance. If a person only has fear — only reads the ayat of punishment, only thinks about Jahannam, only focuses on their sins — they will break. They'll reach a point where they think: everything I do is wrong, Allah is going to throw me into the fire anyway, why bother? So they give up. The fear, without hope, destroys.And if a person only has hope — only focuses on Allah's mercy, only reads about forgiveness — they get lazy. Why worry about halal and haram? Allah is Ghafurul Rahim. He'll forgive me. The hope, without fear, makes you complacent.You need both. Fear reminds you that Allah is Al-Muntaqim — the Avenger, the One who punishes, the One who has full power over Jahannam. Hope reminds you that He is Ghafurul Rahim. And when those two things live in your heart together, you keep moving. You don't collapse, and you don't drift.Du'a Is the Essence of Every IbadahHere's something that might reframe how you see worship.After spending all of ayah 54 introducing who He is — after all of that — the next instruction Allah gives is not pray. Not fast. Not give zakat. It is: make du'a. Why?Because the Prophet ﷺ said: al-du'a mukhkhul ibadah — du'a is the marrow of worship. The core. The essence. Every act of worship, properly understood, contains du'a within it.What is the most important part of salah? The Prophet ﷺ said: there is no salah without Surah Al-Fatiha. So what is Al-Fatiha about? Strip away the opening praises — Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen, Al-Rahman Al-Rahim, Maliki Yawmid-Din — those are the adab. You praise Allah first before you ask. You don't walk up to someone and say I need five hundred dollars before you've even said hello. You warm them up. You acknowledge them. Then you drop the ask. And the ask in Al-Fatiha is one thing: Ihdina As-Sirat Al-Mustaqim. Oh Allah, keep us on the straight path. The entire prayer — seven times in every raka'ah — is that one du'a. Put me back on the path.And fasting? The Prophet ﷺ said: whoever enters Ramadan and leaves it without their sins being forgiven, Allah curses them. That means the entire month of fasting is one extended du'a: Ya Allah, forgive me. Every hunger pang is that du'a. Every moment of thirst. Every night of taraweeh. All of it is saying: Ya Allah, I am broken, I need You, forgive me.Al-du'a mukhkhul ibadah. When you understand that, you understand why du'a comes before everything else in this ayah.Don't Spread Corruption After the Earth Has Been Set RightAllah ends ayah 56 with something that reaches far beyond our personal worship: do not spread corruption on earth after it has been set right.Ba'da islahiha. After its reform. After its repair. The earth has been made good. Don't undo that.This is bigger than just don't harm people. Our responsibility is to all of Allah's creation — human beings, animals, plants, the water, the land. Allah follows this immediately with the image of wind carrying rain clouds across the sky, dead earth suddenly turning green after winter — that is Allah's islah. He repairs the earth constantly. Who are we to corrupt what He keeps restoring?The Prophet ﷺ once saw a companion using excess water while making wudu. He asked him: what is this waste? The companion said: is there waste in wudu? I'm doing ibadah. And the Prophet ﷺ said: yes. Even if you are making wudu in a flowing river.A flowing river. 1,400 years ago, people could not imagine that human beings would ever have the capacity to destroy something as vast and powerful as a river. And yet here we are — post-industrial revolution, with water undrinkable in country after country, because we corrupted it. The Prophet ﷺ saw it coming. The instruction was already there.Even at war, Islamic rules of conduct prohibit cutting down trees and burning crops. If we cannot corrupt the environment in war, what is our excuse in times of peace?Qaribun Min Al-MuhsineenAllah ends with: indeed the mercy of Allah is near to those who are muhsineen — those who are excellent, those who do ihsan.We'll pick this up tomorrow insha'Allah and explore what it means that Allah's mercy is specifically close to the muhsineen — and what that tells us about the standard we should be reaching for.Thanks for reading Grounded! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit groundeddaily.substack.com/subscribe
Study Guide The Mishna discusses the classification of the various meal offerings based on their components, examining which offerings require both oil and frankincense, which require only one of them, and which require neither. To clarify the source of these laws, the Gemara cites a braita that derives the various cases where oil, frankincense, or both are excluded from the verses concerning the Omer offering (the meal offering of the first fruits). During the analysis of the braita, the Gemara analyzes the choice of exclusions and questions why the Midrash focused specifically on the cases mentioned in the braita rather than excluding the law of the Priestly meal offering (minchat kohanim) instead. The Mishna rules that one who adds both oil and frankincense to a sinner's meal offering transgresses two negative prohibitions. However, there is a difference between adding oil and frankincense. If one adds oil, the offering is disqualified as it cannot be removed, but if one adds frankincense, it is not disqualified as it can be removed. Rav bar Rav Huna asks about frankincense that is crushed into small pieces that cannot be removed: is the offering disqualified, as it would be with oil, or is the issue with oil specifically that it is absorbed, whereas this frankincense is not absorbed into the mincha? Three attempts are brought to answer the question. After rejecting the first two, the third leads to the conclusion that it is disqualified.
There is a short walk between video games and gambling. The risk-reward and microtransaction economy mirrors casinos. Now, with the rise of sports betting apps and prediction market platforms like Kalshi, teens are falling into “get rich quick” gambling schemes. They are being fed a lie that the modern economy and market no longer reward prudence and delayed gratification. Of course, this issue runs much deeper than apps and games – it’s a worldview and anthropological issue about what it means to be human. In this episode, Kelly explains the growing and concerning trend of gablification and offers wisdom and next steps for parents. Articles referenced: Brave Parenting Guide to Sports Betting Apps Gen Z is Playing the Economy Like a Casino Financial nihilism: Gen Z gambling meme stock options (Recently Renamed: Why My Generation is Turning to Financial Nihilism) Common Sense Media: Understanding Gambling Among Adolescent Boys Hooked and Hustled: The Predatory Allure of Gamblified Finance Articles that are worthy of reading that were released after this episode was recorded: Women Wanted: Kalshi Pushes to Expand Far Beyond Sport Bets Wanna Bet? How Polymarket and Kalshi are Gamifying Truth Scripture referenced: Genesis 2:3 Genesis 3 Proverbs 8:12 Proverbs 27:12 Proverbs 13:16 Proverbs 21:25 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Colossians 3:23 Ecclesiastes 5:10, 14, 18 Ecclesiastes 8:7 Proverbs 1:7 Book a Speaking Event!! Buy the NEWLY UPDATED book: Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised & Updated) Get Kelly’s new Study Guide & Workbook, with video teachings for small groups. Check out our brand new Brave Parenting Merch Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s happening without social media – a win for everyone!
Study Guide The Mishna discusses the classification of the various meal offerings based on their components, examining which offerings require both oil and frankincense, which require only one of them, and which require neither. To clarify the source of these laws, the Gemara cites a braita that derives the various cases where oil, frankincense, or both are excluded from the verses concerning the Omer offering (the meal offering of the first fruits). During the analysis of the braita, the Gemara analyzes the choice of exclusions and questions why the Midrash focused specifically on the cases mentioned in the braita rather than excluding the law of the Priestly meal offering (minchat kohanim) instead. The Mishna rules that one who adds both oil and frankincense to a sinner's meal offering transgresses two negative prohibitions. However, there is a difference between adding oil and frankincense. If one adds oil, the offering is disqualified as it cannot be removed, but if one adds frankincense, it is not disqualified as it can be removed. Rav bar Rav Huna asks about frankincense that is crushed into small pieces that cannot be removed: is the offering disqualified, as it would be with oil, or is the issue with oil specifically that it is absorbed, whereas this frankincense is not absorbed into the mincha? Three attempts are brought to answer the question. After rejecting the first two, the third leads to the conclusion that it is disqualified.
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit groundeddaily.substack.comEight nights left. Make them count.Quick reminder before we get into the tafseer: Zakatul Fitr is wajib on every Muslim — $20 per head this year. It's due before Eid prayer, so don't leave it to the last minute. If you're not sure where to give locally, I'll post the details for MWSC — Muslim Welfare Support Centre — in the Qaswa Community Group. Six Days — Picking Up From Last NightWe were in the middle of something last night and I want to finish it properly.Allah created the heavens and earth in six days — sittati ayyam. We established last night that no classical scholar ever read this as six 24-hour days. The word yawm in Arabic simply means a span of time — an epoch. Allah Himself uses the same word elsewhere in the Quran to mean 1,000 years, and in another place 50,000 years. The six-day literalism came from the Protestant Reformation, not from Islamic tradition, and it quietly seeped into some Muslim circles when logic (mantiq) got stripped out of the curriculum.So what do the six days actually mean?A paid subscription includes a free digital copy of the Surah Al-A'raf Study Guide and Workbook. One of my teachers — Professor Muhammad Mahdi Jenkins, formerly Gary Jenkins, a nuclear physicist turned psychologist who eventually became Muslim — spent years building a theory that maps the six stages of cosmic creation to the Quranic account. Is this the traditional tafsir? No. But does it violate the Arabic, contradict established tafsir, or conflict with what the Prophet ﷺ or the early generations said? No. So it sits within the acceptable range of new tafsir.Here's what the physics looks like:Stage one: light. The universe began as a singularity — a point of infinite density containing intense concentrated energy. That energy expressed itself across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. When we say light, don't just picture what your eyes can see. Visible light is actually a tiny sliver of the full electromagnetic spectrum. The rest — radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays — is all light we cannot see. That was stage one.Stage two: particles. When energy exceeds E=mc² — energy equals mass times the speed of light squared — matter emerges. The first particles came into existence. But here's where it gets interesting. Physics tells us that whenever matter is created, equal amounts of antimatter are also created. And when matter meets antimatter, they annihilate each other. Cancel out completely. Leave nothing but energy. By pure theory, nothing should exist in this universe — because every particle of matter should have been cancelled by its antimatter counterpart.And yet. Here we are.
March 11 | Exodus 19:16-20:26, Matthew 23:13-26, Psalm 28:6-9, Proverbs 11:5-6 // Follow along with the "Walking through the Word Daily Reading and Study Guide" in the Daily Life Journal and Daily Life Journal 4 Kids! Get your copy today, or grab a gift for someone you love. lifereachresources.com/core4
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit groundeddaily.substack.comNight 21. First of the odd nights.Go all in from here.We've been over this — Laylatul Qadr is greater than a thousand months. Greater than 83 years. Most of us won't even live to see 83. And yet Allah is handing us this, every single year, completely free. One night of worship worth more than a lifetime. Don't let it pass.The Trap of Being Born Into ItWe stopped last night at the people of Jahannam begging for water. Not a glass — just the overflow. The spillover from the cups of the people of Jannah. Just whatever drips from the abundance that Allah has given them.And the people of Jannah are told: it's haram. Nothing from Jannah reaches those who took their religion as entertainment, treated it like a game, and were completely deluded by the life of this dunya.This ayah made me pause. Because if I'm honest, this description can creep up on any of us — especially those of us who were born Muslim.Think about it. Most of us didn't make an active decision to be Muslim. We didn't wake up one day, study the options, and choose Islam. We were born into it. The guidance was handed to us without us having to do anything to earn it. And because it was given for free, we sometimes treat it that way.The attitude becomes: yeah, I'm Muslim, what's the worst that can happen? I'll burn in Jahannam for a few thousand years and eventually get to Jannah anyway.There's a story — I can't verify the chain on this one, so take it as it is — apparently Muhammad Ali would light a match and put his finger through the flame whenever he felt tempted to do something haram. Just to remind himself: if you can't take this heat, what about the fire of the akhirah? He would talk himself out of it right there.Now that might sound dramatic, but the logic is sound. Imam al-Ghazali addressed exactly this problem — that we inherit our religion, we grow up with it, and we stop thinking seriously about it. We don't study our aqidah with the weight it deserves. We don't appreciate who our Lord is. We assume rather than know.Some people say: don't ask too many questions about your religion, it'll make you doubt. Imam al-Ghazali disagreed. He said doubt is actually useful — because when you doubt, you seek answers. And there are always answers in this deen. Our scholars have spent centuries engaging with every objection from every angle. The answers are there. You just have to find them.The problem is not doubt. The problem is sitting in doubt without seeking.Following along? A paid subscription includes a free digital copy of the Surah Al-A'raf Study Guide and Workbook. A Book With No Room for DoubtAllah says: We have sent down to them a book, explained with knowledge — meaning certainty. No doubt in it.In the study of usul al-fiqh, knowledge (ilm) is defined as that which reaches the level of absolute certainty — 100%. Below it you have zhan (probability, around 75%), then shukk (50-50), then waham (25%), then nothing. Ilm is the highest level — no room for doubt.And this book operates at that level. Allah is saying: We gave them the tools. The argument was complete. There is no excuse.One small thing from this ayah that I want to highlight. Allah says this book is guidance and mercy lil ladhina yu'minun— for those who are in the process of believing. Not lil mu'minin, not for the confirmed believers. The verb form rather than the noun form. Why does that matter?In Arabic, a noun is stronger than a verb. If I say someone is reading, that just describes what they're doing right now. If I say someone is a reader, that tells you who they are. So when Allah uses the verb form here — yu'minun, those who are believing — He is saying: even if you're not there yet, even if you're still on your way, still trying, still working to get to iman — this book will be clear to you. You don't have to have arrived to see it. You just have to be making the journey honestly.This Quran is not a book for passive consumption. It's not like opening a novel at page one and following the story. It jumps. It shifts. Surah al-Fatiha, then straight into Baqarah which changes topic to topic. It demands that you think. Allah literally asks: afala yatadabbarun al-Quran — why don't you do tadabbur of the Quran? It's a book that rewards effort. When you start to dig, you start to see the coherence — and when the coherence becomes apparent to you, SubhanAllah, you realise this could not have come from a human being.
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit groundeddaily.substack.comFollowing along? A paid subscription includes the Surah Al-A'raf Study Guide and Workbook. Grounded is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The last ten have begun.Taharaw laylatal qadr fil ashril awakhir min Ramadan. Hunt for Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan.Here's why this gift exists. The Prophet ﷺ once told the companions about a man from the Banu Israel who worshipped Allah for 80 years straight. Not 80 years of regular life with some ibadah mixed in. 80 years of dedicated, committed worship. The companions were jealous — and honestly, who wouldn't be? We live 60, maybe 70 years. The Prophet ﷺ himself said the age of his ummah is between 60 and 70, and very few go beyond that. And yes, there are billionaires today spending fortunes trying to extend human life to 120, 130 — but biologists will tell you that quality of life drops significantly past a certain point, no matter how much money you throw at it. That's just how the body is built.So the companions asked: Ya Rasulullah, how do we compete with people who had 80 years to worship Allah when we barely get 60?And then Allah revealed an entire surah — Surah Al-Qadr — answering that question.The night of Al-Qadr is greater than a thousand months.Not equal to. Greater than. 1,000 months is 83 years. And Allah didn't say you get this once. You get it every single year. Think about that. If you start taking your deen seriously at the age of 10 and you live to 70 — that's 60 Ramadans. 60 Laylatul Qadrs. 60 opportunities where one night of ibadah is worth more than 83 years of continuous worship. In terms of quality of ibadah, how old are you really?That is the gift Allah gave the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ.So don't let any of these ten nights pass you without something in it. The absolute minimum — and none of us should drop below this — is to pray Isha in jama'ah and pray Fajr in jama'ah. Just those two. The Prophet ﷺ said whoever does that, Allah writes for them the reward of praying the entire night. Imagine praying the entire night. Now imagine that night is Laylatul Qadr. Do it every night for these ten nights and insha'Allah you will not miss it. Beyond that — pray your sunnah, do taraweeh, read some Quran when you get home, wake up a few minutes before suhur and make dua.For the sisters who can't pray right now — you are not left out. Your dua is the same. Your dhikr is the same. Sayyidah Aisha RA asked the Prophet ﷺ what to say on Laylatul Qadr: Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa'fu anni. O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me. That's the dua. Fill these nights with it.The People of the Heights — And What Their Story Tells UsWe stopped last night at the Ashab al-A'raf — the people standing on the elevated ground between Jannah and Jahannam, neither here nor there, their good and bad deeds perfectly balanced at 50-50.From their vantage point on the heights, they can see both destinations. And here's a detail I want you to sit with: the ayah says wa idha surifat absaruhum — when their gaze was turned towards the people of fire. They didn't choose to look. Allah turned their eyes. Given the choice, if you're standing on the A'raf and Jannah is right there on one side — you know exactly where you're going to keep your attention. You're not voluntarily turning to look at Jahannam.But Allah turns their gaze. And the moment they see the punishment the people of fire are enduring, they immediately make dua: Rabbana la taj'alna ma'al qawmidh dhalimin — O Allah, do not place us among the wrongdoers.Then they recognise people. They call out to the people of fire and they know them — ya'rifoonahum bisimaahum — by the marks on them. And this makes sense, because the Ashab al-A'raf are the in-between people. In their life on earth, they moved between both worlds. Sometimes in the company of good people, sometimes in the company of bad. So on Yawmul Qiyamah, they look at Jahannam and they see faces they know. And they look at Jannah and they see faces they know too.They point to the people of Jannah — people like Bilal, like Sumayyah, like Khabab ibn al-Aratt — and they say to the people of fire: are these the ones you swore would receive no mercy from Allah? Look where they are now.Why Do They Get to Enter?And then comes the moment. Allah says to the Ashab al-A'raf: udkhulul jannah — enter Jannah.Some of the mufassirun say this is the Ashab al-A'raf congratulating the people of Jannah as they enter. Others say it is the angels — who had been guarding the Ashab al-A'raf at the heights, preventing them from moving — now giving them permission to enter.
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!If you already purchased the ISSA certification and realized the refund window is only seven days, you're not alone. Thousands of aspiring trainers find themselves stuck with a massive textbook and no clear strategy for passing the exam.In this episode, we break down exactly how the ISSA CPT exam works and the fastest way to pass it.We explain how the certification is structured, why Tailwind Nutrition owns ISSA, and what you actually need to study to pass the exam without wasting months reading material that won't appear on the test.Over the last decade, Show Up Fitness has helped more than 6,000 trainers pass personal training certification exams using a simplified study strategy that focuses only on what matters.Inside this episode you'll learn:• How the ISSA CPT exam is structured • The most important topics you must understand • What most people waste time studying • The fastest way to prepare and pass • How to move from “certified” to actually becoming a successful personal trainerIf you're currently studying for ISSA or realized you missed the refund window, this episode will save you weeks of frustration and help you pass the exam with confidence.Leave a review and we'll send you the ISSA CPT Cheat Sheet and Study Guide that has helped over 6,000 trainers pass their certification exams.How to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer w/ SUF-CPT - the fastest growing personal training certification in 2025.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world! Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com
A storm that isn't in the forecast can turn your world upside down. And it's likely that you have not gone through your last one. But after studying the passage that we're going to look at today, I think we have the opportunity to be better equipped the next time we find ourselves in the raging storms of life. This year is the final volume of our Five Year Journey in the JESUS series, and we're calling it The Crossovers. That's because it's stories, miracles, teachings and parables that are found in multiple gospels. They're iconic, and if multiple authors recorded these stories, it probably means everyone knew them. They were important then and now. Study Guide: https://mountaintopchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Crossovers-Study-Guide-2026.pdf Learn more about Mountaintop Church at https://mountaintopchurch.com
In this episode, I share that true help is found exclusively in Jesus Christ, addressing both physical ailments and, more critically, spiritual sickness. Drawing from Matthew 9:27-31, I recount the story of two blind men who sought healing, noting that while physical blindness is a "bad disease," a spiritual blindness to the Kingdom of God -- as prophesied in Isaiah -- is far worse because it is rooted in sin and death. I explain that these men recognized Jesus as the "Son of David," the prophesied Messiah who came to rescue humanity and "bruise the head of the serpent," fulfilling the words of prophets like Jeremiah and David, who spoke of God sending His Word to heal. To receive this help, I outline a specific path modeled by the blind men: following Jesus, crying out for mercy, and confessing faith with one's mouth. I stress that faith is the essential condition for transformation, citing Romans 10:17, which states that "faith cometh by hearing the word". The climax of the message focuses on Jesus' question, "Believe ye that I am able to do this?" and the subsequent healing based on their affirmative response: "According to your faith, be it unto you" (Matthew 9:27). I conclude that when a person is born again, their spiritual eyes are finally opened to see the love and beauty of Christ, leading to a transformed life and an irrepressible desire to share Jesus with others, like the two blind men, who ". . . spread the news about Him in all that country" (Matthew 9:31). Join me as we delve into this inspiring message to build your faith in the healing power of the Word of God. Selah! [For more: Copy and Paste or Enter into ChatGPT.com, "Create a Study Guide for Episode #341 How to Get Help from Abounding Love Ministries" ]. www.aboundinglove.org
••• Overcoming Stress, Ep 419b . ••• Bible Study Verses: 1 Kings 19.1-18, Mark 6.31, Luke 2.52, Luke 15.18 . ••• Part-A Bible Verses: Psalm 23, John 6.35, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Psalms 118:5-6 . ••• “To be a true minister to men is always to accept new happiness and new distress. The man who gives himself to other men can never be a wholly sad man; but no more can he be a man of unclouded gladness. To him shall come with every deeper consecration a before untasted joy, but in the same cup shall be mixed a sorrow that it was beyond his power to feel before”, Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893, The Influence of Jesus, H.R. Allenson, 1875, pg191 † ••• "Difficulties and obstacles are God's challenges to faith. When hindrances confront us in the path of duty, we are to recognize them as vessels for faith to fill with the fullness and all-sufficiency of Jesus" A.B. Simpson †† ••• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4.6-7, NKJV . ••• How does a 15-minute power nap affect one's stress levels? ••• What were 5-things that helped pull Elijah out of despair? ••• What is the “activation energy”? ••• How does receiving a touch from Our Creator affect stress in our lives? ••• What are 4-components of the healing process to regain full strength and vitality after experiencing extreme stress? ••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you will be more intentional about reducing unnecessary stress in your life through Godly wisdom & the power of Holy Spirit? Part-A Bible Study Questions: ••• What are 5-reasons why Elijah got so stress out that he wanted God to take his life? ••• How did Elijah get from being the bold and confident prophet to being a stressed out prophet on the run? ••• What are 7-negative consequences of being stressed out? ••• What were 5-life actions in Elijah's life that pulled him out of despair? ••• What is a reason for people to eat the wrong things? ••• What is the ‘Bread of Life'? ••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible.••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is a listener supported production by all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ .••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Etty Fidele Photography, Paris France, https://www.fideletty.com/, https://www.instagram.com/fideletty/, https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/FideleEtty, Art Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• † https://gracequotes.org/author-quote/phillips-brooks/ , Phillips Brooks was an American clergyman and author, in 1877 he published a course of lectures about preaching, which he had delivered at the theological school of Yale University, & which are an expression of his own experience. He is best known for authoring the Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" . ••• †† http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/A.B.-Simpson-Quotes/ .••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/ep419b-winning-the-battle-of-for-the-mind-pt3b . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• RESOURCE: FREE Max Maclean Chronological Audio Bible! https://tinyurl.com/godspeaks777 . ••• RESOURCE - PRAYER@SWRC.COM . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• FERP250307 Episode#419b GOT250307 Ep419b . ••• Winning The Battle Of the Mind, Part-3b of 10: Overcoming Stress, Ep 419b . ††† Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tonight is the night of Badr.On this night, 1,443 years ago, 313 Muslim men camped on the plains of Badr — underprepared, outnumbered more than three to one — on the eve of a battle that would determine whether Islam survived or was extinguished.There is no tafseer of Surah Al-A'raf tonight. Tonight belongs to Badr.How They Got ThereThe Muslims left Madinah on the 12th of Ramadan. The mission was straightforward: intercept Abu Sufyan's caravan returning from Syria — the largest trading caravan the Quraysh had ever assembled, loaded with profits from goods financed largely by wealth confiscated from the Muslims at the time of Hijrah. Not a battle. An interception.But Abu Sufyan's scouts were sharp. One of the Bedouin trackers found camel droppings along the route, opened them, and recognised the date pits inside as coming from the farms of Madinah. The Muslims were tracking them. Abu Sufyan immediately rerouted and sent the fastest rider in his group back to Makkah — the rider sliced the nose of his camel and smeared the blood on himself to arrive with maximum drama, ensuring the message landed with urgency.Abu Jahl raised 1,300 men. Not to protect the caravan — the caravan had already escaped. This was about something else now. We are going to crush Islam and the Muslims once and for all.By the time 300 of that army turned back — satisfied that their property was safe — 1,000 Quraysh warriors were marching toward Badr with that single purpose.The Muslims, meanwhile, had 313 men. Two horses. Seventy camels. And eight swords.They had not come prepared for battle. They had expected a small caravan escort — ten, twenty, thirty men at most. They found an army.And they did not turn back.The Leadership of the Prophet ﷺWhen the Prophet ﷺ chose a campsite on the plains of Badr, a companion — al-Hubab ibn al-Mundhir — approached him and asked a remarkable question: Ya Rasulullah, is this position based on revelation from Allah, or is this your personal judgement?The Prophet ﷺ said: personal judgement.Al-Hubab said: in that case, may I suggest we move further forward — to the wells of Badr — so that we control the Quraysh's access to water?The Prophet ﷺ accepted. He moved the entire army.This is a man who could have said: I am the Prophet of Allah, my opinion is final. He said nothing of the sort. He distinguished clearly between what came from Allah and what came from his own thinking. And when a companion had a better idea, he took it.A leader who cannot be corrected is a leader who will eventually fail. The Prophet ﷺ modelled the opposite: you are not any stronger than me, and I am not any less in need of the reward from Allah. When they shared rides on the 160-kilometre journey — three men, including the Prophet ﷺ, rotating on one camel — his companions begged him to ride the whole way. He refused. He walked his share.The Night BeforeThat night, with a thousand armed men across the plain, Allah gave the Muslims a gift: sleep.Anyone who has had a major exam, a difficult interview, a high-stakes day ahead knows what that night feels like. You lie awake. The mind races. The Muslims knew what was coming — and they slept.Allah also sent light rain on the Muslim side. The ground compacted. The march in the morning would be firm underfoot. On the Quraysh side, Allah sent heavy rain. Sleepless. Muddy ground. No access to water. Before a single sword was raised, the advantage had already shifted.The Prophet ﷺ spent much of that night in dua — arms raised so intensely that his shawl fell to the ground. Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, waking before Fajr, wrapped it back around his shoulders and stood listening. Among the duas the Prophet ﷺ made that night: Ya Allah, if You destroy this group, You will never be worshipped on this earth again. These were the best of the Muslim men. Most of them. If they fell here, there would be no rebuilding.The dhikr of Badr — the one the Prophet ﷺ repeated through that night and into the battle — was Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum. The Ever-Living. The Ever-Sustaining. The One who holds everything in existence. Repeat this in your own difficult nights.Islam Is a Salad BowlWhen the Prophet ﷺ organised his army on the morning of battle, he divided them into three groups: the Muhajirin on the right, led by Sayyidina Ali; the Ansar on the left, led by Sayyidina Sa'd ibn Mu'adh; and a mixed group at the centre, where the Prophet ﷺ stood himself, with the banner held by Mus'ab ibn Umayr — the first companion to migrate to Madinah, the man through whose teaching most of the Ansar had embraced Islam.Why keep them separate? Why not one unified mass?Because Islam does not erase identity. It never has. The Muhajirin were Meccan. The Ansar were Medinan. Different dialects, different traditions, different cultures — and at this point in history, genuinely different peoples. Islam acknowledged that difference and worked with it. Each group fought with the strength that came from who they were.Islam is not a melting pot. It is a salad bowl. A tomato remains a tomato. A cucumber remains a cucumber. Mixed together, each contributing what it is — they serve something greater than any one of them alone.Keep your cultural identity. Be proud of who Allah made you. Learn your mother tongue. And be equally proud to be Muslim — guided by Islamic principles, united by La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah, with Arabic as the thread that connects the entire ummah across every language and culture.Help Comes in Ways You Cannot SeeWhen the battle began, most of the Muslims did not know they were being assisted by angels. They raised their weapons and fought with everything they had. Some were injured. Some were martyred. They had to show up. They had to put in the effort. The help came — but it came to those who were already in the field.Jibreel came wearing a yellow turban, marked like Mus'ab ibn Umayr. A thousand angels — one for every Quraysh soldier — came wearing white, on white horses. The Quraysh saw them coming from across the plain. They did not know what they were seeing.And then Iblis — who had marched alongside the Quraysh in the guise of Suraqah ibn Malik, who had promised them safety, who had said I am with you, no one can defeat you today — Iblis was the first to see the angels. He turned and fled.I see what you do not see. I am afraid of Allah.The Quraysh: You were the one who convinced us to come! You were the one who promised us victory!Iblis said nothing more. He left.This is who Iblis is. He is there when things are going well. The moment the cost becomes real, he disappears. The friends you make in sin will not be there when the consequences arrive.Abdullah ibn Mas'ud — a man so small he stood barely above a metre — captured Sayyidina Abbas, the Prophet's uncle, a giant of a man with a voice that could carry across a battlefield. Abbas was humiliated. He told everyone who saw him: it wasn't this small man — there was someone bigger, someone else who took me down. When Abdullah ibn Mas'ud brought Abbas to the Prophet ﷺ, the Prophet ﷺ confirmed: it was not you, Abdullah. You were assisted by an angel.Do not be arrogant with your success. You put in the effort. But the victory was never yours alone to claim.The Secret of Badr — And of RamadanThe Quran tells us the secret of Badr in Surah Ali Imran in two words: sabr and taqwa.Sabr is steadfastness — continuing on the right path regardless of how difficult it becomes. Taqwa is your living connection with Allah.Ramadan trains both. Every day of fasting hones sabr — the steadfastness to stay on the right path regardless of hunger and exhaustion. Every night of prayer and Quran builds taqwa — the connection with Allah that carries you through what the day alone cannot prepare you for.The Prophet ﷺ won his greatest military victory in Ramadan — on the 17th, on the plains of Badr. His greatest political victory, the Conquest of Makkah, was also in Ramadan. Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas defeated the Persian Sassanid Empire at the Battle of Qadisiyyah in Ramadan. Amr ibn al-As conquered Egypt in Ramadan.The pattern is not coincidence. It is a formula.Fast your days. Pray your nights. And trust that when you show up on the field with whatever weapons you have, Allah will send what you cannot seeBadr Wallpaper for smartphonesBadr Wallpaper for tablets.Badr wallpaper for computersAfter Witr tonight insha'Allah — Salawat Badriyya.Following along with the series? Consider a paid subscription to receive a free digital copy of the Surah Al-A'raf Study Guide and Workbook. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit groundeddaily.substack.com/subscribe
March 5 | Exodus 13:17-14:31, Matthew 21:23-32, Psalm 27:1, Proverbs 10:26 // Follow along with the "Walking through the Word Daily Reading and Study Guide" in the Daily Life Journal and Daily Life Journal 4 Kids! Get your copy today, or grab a gift for someone you love. lifereachresources.com/core4
Bruce Nickoley joins the podcast to talk through 1 John 1 corresponding to lesson 2 of our Spring 2026 Bible Study. This chapter provides an invitation to fellowship with God and instruction for how to walk in fellowship with one another.Announcements:What is Membership?The first step in membership at RCD.Sun, March 8 | 11amRegister here: https://subspla.sh/fwmkxgtParish OlympicsSun, March 22 | 11:30 am https://subspla.sh/mqb4sps
A quick note before we begin: from tonight, we recite Dua Qunut in Witr. The Shafi'i madhab holds that Qunut in Witr is only in the second half of Ramadan — following the practice established by Sayyidina Umar ibn al-Khattab when he unified the companions behind one imam for Taraweeh and instructed Sayyidina Ubay ibn Ka'ab to lead with Qunut in the final nights. May Allah enter us among those who pray with the imam from beginning to end, and receive the reward of a full night's prayer.The Battle of Badr — ApproachingThe Muslims left Madinah on the 12th of Ramadan. Tonight, in the timeline of history, they would have been settling into the plains of Badr — fasting, outnumbered, about to face something no one had fully planned for.The original aim was to intercept Abu Sufyan's caravan returning from Syria — laden with the wealth the Quraysh had confiscated from the Muslims at the time of Hijrah. Abu Sufyan's scouts, however, found camel droppings containing date pits from the farms of Madinah. He understood: the Muslims are tracking us. He rerouted the caravan and sent the fastest rider back to Makkah with a call for reinforcements — the rider even smeared camel blood on himself for dramatic effect, to ensure the message landed with urgency.Abu Jahl raised 1,300 men. By the time they reached the plains of Badr, the caravan had already escaped via a different route. Three hundred of the Quraysh army turned back — the property was safe, their reason for coming was gone. But Abu Jahl pressed forward with a thousand. This was no longer about a caravan. This was about crushing Islam once and for all.When the Prophet ﷺ chose a campsite on the plains of Badr, one of the companions asked: Ya Rasulullah, is this position based on revelation, or is this your personal judgement? The Prophet ﷺ said: personal judgement. The companion said: in that case, may I suggest we move further, to control the Quraysh's access to the wells?The Prophet ﷺ accepted. He moved the entire army.In that moment — a Prophet, the most beloved of creation, moving his troops based on a suggestion from a companion — is a masterclass in leadership. A good leader takes counsel. A good leader distinguishes between revelation and personal opinion. A good leader is not too proud to be corrected.We continue the story of Badr tomorrow insha'Allah.The Blame Game Has No EndReturning to Surah Al-A'raf — yesterday we saw the people of Jahannam blaming each other as they entered. The followers blamed the leaders. The leaders said: you chose to follow us. Taste what you earned.Now Allah introduces a further dimension: the former and the latter — early generations and those who came after.Think about what this means personally. If someone in your family tree was the first to introduce something harmful — idol worship, a corrupt practice, a tradition that led generations away from Allah — and their descendants followed without question, then when all of them meet in Jahannam, the descendants will turn to the ancestor: you started this. This is your fault. You deserve more.It is a sobering thought. The decisions we make do not end with us.The Reverse Is Also TrueBut the reverse is equally real — and this is where the heart lifts.A thousand years ago, the ancestors of many Muslims sitting in our community tonight were not Muslim. The Malays were Hindu and Buddhist. The Turks were sky-worshipping pagans on the steppe. The Indonesians had their own traditions. And then — somewhere up that family tree — one person made a decision. I am going to be a Muslim.Because of that one decision, generations of descendants were born into Islam. Every salah they prayed, every fast they kept, every act of charity they gave — a portion of that reward travels back up the chain to the one who made the original call.That ancestor has been in his grave for perhaps 700, 800 years. And he is still receiving dividends. Still collecting on that one decision. This is the real passive income. Not a pyramid scheme — a multi-level reward that compounds across generations until Yawmul Qiyamah.And in Jannah, insha'Allah, we will find that ancestor. We will say: thank you. Because of you, I did not have to make the hard choice. I was born Muslim. All I had to do was protect what you gave me.For those among us who did make that hard choice — who came to Islam as adults, who chose this path when no one around them did — your reward carries the same weight. Every person in your lineage who comes after you and remains on this deen is a continuation of your decision. Do not underestimate what you started.Do Not Trivialise Small Good DeedsThis is why we must never dismiss small acts of goodness as insignificant.Teach one child Quran. That child teaches his children. His children teach theirs. How many generations between now and Yawmul Qiyamah? Every one of them who recites the Quran — you carry a portion of that reward. A tiny portion, yes. But multiplied across centuries, across an entire family tree — it becomes something beyond calculation.Whatever good deed you start, its consequences ripple outward in ways you will never live to see. A Muslim thinks in generations, not just in lifetimes. The question is not only: what am I doing today? The question is: what am I starting?The Camel and the Eye of the NeedleFor those who reject the ayat of Allah, who are arrogant against His guidance — la tufattahu lahum abwab al-sama'. The gates of heaven will not be opened for them. Their good deeds will not ascend. The angels carry our deeds up twice daily — at Fajr and Maghrib, which is why these are the great times of morning and evening dhikr, when two shifts of angels overlap and the same act is recorded twice. But for the one who rejects Allah, those deeds remain earthbound. He gets what he intended — praise from people, a legacy among men — and nothing more.Hatim al-Ta'i was the most celebrated generous man in Arab history. His name became a byword for generosity — Arabs still use it today, 1,400 years later. His son asked the Prophet ﷺ about his father's fate. The Prophet ﷺ said: he never gave for Allah's sake. He gave to be known as generous. And Allah gave him exactly that. He is still being praised. His intention was fulfilled in full.You get what you intend for. If you intend for Allah, Allah rewards you. If you intend for people, people reward you. But the gates of heaven remain closed.And if a person who rejects the ayat of Allah still imagines they might enter Jannah — Allah gives us the measure of that hope: try fitting a camel through the eye of a needle first. In Arabic this is the expression for the impossible, the never-happening, the stop-dreaming. It will not happen. Not through arrogance. Not through denial. Not through rejecting the messenger.Tomorrow insha'Allah — the people of Jannah. The Quran always balances: after the warning comes the glad tidings.Following along with the series? Consider a paid subscription to receive a free digital copy of the Surah Al-A'raf Study Guide and Workbook. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit groundeddaily.substack.com/subscribe
Flowing from the idea that children need to express themselves online to form an identity, video game avatars serve as an introductory and primary portal for this. The cosmetic economy of avatar customization generates billions in revenue for game makers, while users pay and play their way into discovering their identity. The ability to customize your appearance in the game isn’t just a fun feature. As we reveal in this episode, avatar customization can shape children’s real-world identities. But identities are not created or curated – they are given by God. This is one more way video games disciple children away from the gospel and into a self-above-all-else, unbiblical worldview. Listen in as we inform and equip parents to know about and act against this unseen evil. Article references: Avatars in Gaming: How Roblox and Fortnite are redefining digital identity The Joy and Liberation of Customizing Your Avatar The Art of Avatar Creation Understanding Children’s Avatar Making in Social Online Games Young People and Gender Identity: Subverting the ‘body’ in massively multi-player online role-playing games The Role of the Avatar in Gaming for Trans and Gender Diverse Young People The Impact of Avatars on Self-Perception and Identity in Gaming “I am the character, the character is me”: A thematic analysis of the user-avatar relationship in videogames Gaming Disorder: A systematic review exploring the user-avatar relationship in videogames Scripture References: Genesis 1:27 2 Corinthians 5:17 Colossians 3:3 Romans 1:21 1 Corinthians 6:20 Jeremiah 17:9 Proverbs 4:23 Matthew 5:28 Mark 7:21-23 Galatians 6:8 John 17:17 John 8:32 Luke 12:15 Hebrews 13:5 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Genesis 2:15 Mark 9:42 Genesis 1:28 Psalm 139 Proverbs 3:5 Psalm 5:5 Psalm 11:5 Galatians 2:20 Romans 12:2 Acts 17:26 Ephesians 2:10 Esther 4:14 John 16:33 Book a Speaking Event!! Buy the NEWLY UPDATED book: Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised & Updated) Get Kelly’s new Study Guide & Workbook, with video teachings for small groups. Check out our brand new Brave Parenting Merch Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s happening without social media – a win for everyone!
Today's Story: The Parable of the Tenants. | This year is the final volume of our Five Year Journey in the JESUS series, and we're calling it The Crossovers. That's because it's stories, miracles, teachings and parables that are found in multiple gospels. They're iconic, and if multiple authors recorded these stories, it probably means everyone knew them. They were important then and now. Study Guide: https://mountaintopchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Crossovers-Study-Guide-2026.pdf Learn more about Mountaintop Church at https://mountaintopchurch.com
••• Overcoming Stress, Ep 418a . ••• Bible Study Verse: 1 Kings 19.1-18 . ••• Part-B Bible Verses: Psalm 23, John 6.35, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Psalms 118:5-6 . ••• “To be a true minister to men is always to accept new happiness and new distress. The man who gives himself to other men can never be a wholly sad man; but no more can he be a man of unclouded gladness. To him shall come with every deeper consecration a before untasted joy, but in the same cup shall be mixed a sorrow that it was beyond his power to feel before”, Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893, The Influence of Jesus, H.R. Allenson, 1875, pg191, † ••• "As Christians, our lives should be marked by joy (Phil. 4:4), taste like joy (Gal 5:22), and be filled with the fullness of joy (John 15:11). Busyness attacks all of that" NL Demoss, †† . ••• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4.6-7, NKJV . ••• What are 5-reasons why Elijah got so stress out that he wanted God to take his life? ••• Why did Elijah run from Jezebel? ••• How did Elijah get from being the bold and confident prophet to being a stressed out prophet on the run? ••• What are 7-negative consequences of being stressed out? ••• What were 5-life actions in Elijah's life that pulled him out of despair? ••• What is a reason for people to eat the wrong things? ••• What is the ‘Bread of Life'? ••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you will be more intentional about reducing unnecessary stress in your life through Godly wisdom & the power of Holy Spirit? Part-B Bible Study Questions: ••• What is the “activation energy”? ••• How does a 15-minute power nap affect one's stress levels? ••• How does receiving a touch from Our Creator affect stress in our lives? ••• How does the Christian regain full strength and vitality? ••• What is rest's affect on personal perspective? s••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible.••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is a listener supported production by all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ .••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Etty Fidele Photography, Paris France, https://www.fideletty.com/, https://www.instagram.com/fideletty/, https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/FideleEtty, Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• † https://gracequotes.org/author-quote/phillips-brooks/ , Phillips Brooks was an American clergyman and author, in 1877 he published a course of lectures about preaching, which he had delivered at the theological school of Yale University, & which are an expression of his own experience. He is best known for authoring the Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" . ••• †† https://gracequotes.org/author-quote/nancy-leigh-demoss/ .••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/ep418a-winning-the-battle-of-for-the-mind-pt3a . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• RESOURCE: FREE Max Maclean Chronological Audio Bible! https://tinyurl.com/godspeaks777 . ••• RESOURCE - IONA, “Burning Like Fire” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaXikLXH_sQ . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - PRAYER@SWRC.COM . ••• FERP260228 Episode#418a GOT260228 Ep418a . ••• Winning The Battle Of the Mind, Part-3a of 10: Overcoming Stress, Ep 418a . ††† † † † Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Note: The first half of tonight's session wasn't recorded — it was a revision of Night 10's discussion on tabdhir and israf. We pick up from where the new material begins.The Balance Islam StrikesSome spiritual traditions teach that poverty is the path to God. Monks take oaths of poverty. Monasteries require their residents to own nothing, eat simply, wear rags. Buddhism requires its monks to beg. On the other end of the spectrum, certain strands of modern Christianity preach the opposite — that wealth is a sign of divine favour, that God rewards the faithful with material success.Islam is neither. It is ummatan wasata — a middle community, a middle path.Allah commands us to adorn ourselves, dress well, eat from the good things of the earth. But don't go into excess. Don't waste. Don't make wealth the final destination. The balance is precise: enjoy what Allah has provided, be grateful for it, and let it serve something greater than itself.And critically — Islam does not promote mediocrity. The instruction not to be excessive is not permission to be comfortable doing nothing. Islam actively encourages wealth-building, economic development, and productivity. The criticism is not of wealth. It is of wealth as the be-all and end-all — the pursuit of accumulation for its own sake, while people go hungry and problems go unsolved.We Are Not Prisoners HereThis ayah carries a profound theological point — one that directly contradicts the biblical narrative.In Christian theology, humanity is on earth as a consequence of the Fall. Adam and Hawwa sinned, and we are here serving time, suffering the punishment of their disobedience.The Quran tells a different story entirely.Before the story of Adam even begins in this surah, Allah says: “We have settled you on earth and made for you in it a good living.” Earth was always the plan. Jannah was an orientation — a glimpse of the destination, so we know what we are working toward and what we are trying to build here.And this ayah confirms it: “Say — who has declared haram the beauty that Allah has brought forth for His servants, and the good provisions?” Allah created this beautiful world for the believers to enjoy. If we were prisoners here, why would our Warden furnish the cell with gardens, oceans, mountains, good food, and beauty in every direction?“All of this is for the believers in this life — and exclusively theirs on the Day of Judgement.”Enjoying the good things of this world does not diminish your akhirah. Wealth is not a sign that Allah is displeased with you, withholding your reward for later. Hardship is not a sign that Allah loves you more. Both are tests. Wealth tests your gratitude and generosity. Hardship tests your patience and trust. Both paths lead to Jannah — if you respond rightly.And in one sense, wealth carries an extra advantage. The poor Sahabah once came to the Prophet ﷺ and complained: “The wealthy have taken all the reward. They pray like us, they fast like us — but they can give charity and we cannot.”The Prophet ﷺ gave them dhikr as an equivalent. A few days later they returned: “Now the rich are doing the dhikr too. What do we have left?”The lesson is not that poverty is better. It is that the wealthy have an additional avenue for good deeds that others do not. Sayyidatuna Khadijah funded the early da'wah. Sayyidina Uthman donated so generously to the Battle of Tabuk that the Prophet ﷺ said nothing could harm him after that. And what did the Sahabah do when guaranteed Jannah? They did not relax. They increased. They understood that 80 or 100 years of wealth in this world is a brief window to invest in an eternity in the akhirah.Halal and Haram — Tread CarefullyFrom this ayah we also learn something often overlooked: declaring something halal as haram is just as serious a sin as declaring something haram as halal.Halal and haram are the domain of Allah alone. The Prophet ﷺ told us: the clearly halal is clear, the clearly haram is clear, and between them are grey areas that most people do not fully understand. Scholars who specialise in these areas navigate the grey carefully, and legitimate differences of opinion exist within the framework of the Sharia.The rule for us: stay away from what is clearly haram. In areas of genuine scholarly difference, choose a position you are comfortable with and respect that others may hold a different but equally valid opinion. And do not rush to declare things haram simply because they are unfamiliar or uncomfortable to you.To speak about Allah without knowledge — to declare His deen more restrictive or more permissive than He made it — is itself one of the things Allah has made haram, as the next passage makes clear.What Allah Has Actually Made HaramSo if Allah has not made beauty haram, not made good provisions haram, not made adornment haram — what has He made haram?Fawahish — shamelessness. Both the external and the internal.The external is visible: the stripping away of clothing and modesty, the open broadcasting of indecency, the collapse of haya in public life. We have discussed this at length over the past several nights.The internal is the sin of the heart — and the surah has already named it: arrogance. Kibir. You cannot see arrogance directly. You see its symptoms — the dismissiveness, the contempt, the refusal to accept truth. But the root sits quietly in the heart, growing. A thought that someone is lesser than you. An assumption that your obedience has earned you superiority. Left unchecked, it becomes exactly what Iblis demonstrated: denial of truth and contempt for others.Both fawahish — the external and the internal — are declared haram. Both unravel the human being from the outside in and the inside out.And alongside these: shirk, and speaking about Allah without knowledge.We will continue with this ayah tomorrow insha'Allah.Following along with the series? Consider a paid subscription to receive a free digital copy of the Surah Al-A'raf Study Guide and Workbook. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit groundeddaily.substack.com/subscribe
Nine nights in. If you've been reading one juz a night, you've just passed Surah Al-A'raf in your recitation — the very surah we're studying together. A good reminder of how the Quran works on multiple levels simultaneously.The Naked Tawaf — ContinuedLast night we left off with the Quraysh practice of doing tawaf naked around the Kaaba. Tonight, a detail worth noting: the Quraysh themselves were exempt from this practice. They claimed to be the pure people of Makkah, above sin — so they could do tawaf in clothing. It was only the outsiders, the pilgrims who travelled from afar, who had to choose: strip down, or buy fresh garments from the Quraysh merchants.A shameless practice, with a profitable business model built into it.And when challenged, their answer was simple: our ancestors did this, and Allah commanded it.Allah's response was immediate: “Allah does not command shameless things. Are you saying about Allah what you do not know?”This is the danger of reason untethered from revelation. The argument the Quraysh made — that you were born naked and sinless, so the purest worship is naked worship — has an internal logic to it. You can follow it step by step and almost be convinced. But it leads somewhere Allah never intended. Modesty is not a burden placed on human nature. It is human nature. The nafs, the animal side of us, knows no shame. Haya is what lifts us above it. When we strip away modesty, we strip away something uniquely human.What Allah Actually Commands: Qist“Say: My Lord commands justice — qist.”Two Arabic words are both translated as justice in English: adala and qist. But they are not the same.Adala is doing what is right at a given moment — even if one party walks away unhappy. A judge delivers adala. The winning side praises him. The losing side calls him the worst judge they've ever seen. That is the nature of adala — it is correct, but not always mutually satisfying.Qist is higher. It is the middle path that brings both parties to a place of genuine acceptance. Not just legally correct, but humanly resolved. Adala is passing. Qist is excellent.Allah commands us toward qist — in our worship, in our dealings, in how we carry ourselves in this world.The Cure for ShamelessnessHere is what is striking. Allah has just spoken about shamelessness — the Quraysh doing tawaf naked, Shaitan's mission to strip humanity of modesty. And what is the cure Allah prescribes?Not a dress code. Not isolation. Not a list of prohibitions.Prayer.“Establish your faces at every masjid.”The word masjid here goes back to its root — sajada, to prostrate. This surah is Makki; the only masjid at the time was Masjid Al-Haram, surrounded by 365 idols. So Allah is not speaking about a building. He is speaking about the act itself. Every time and place of sujud — turn yourself fully toward Allah.And why wajh, face? Because the face is the most honourable part of a person. In Arabic, the most honourable portion can denote the whole. When you bring your face to the ground in sujud — the most honourable part of you touching the lowest point — that is the full surrender of the entire self.This is how prayer protects us from shamelessness. Allah says elsewhere in the Quran that prayer prohibits a person from fahsha — from indecency and evil. But how? We all know people who pray and still fall into wrong.The answer is in the word aqimu — establish. Not just perform. Not just go through the motions. To establish prayer is to be present in it. To actually stand before Allah, to speak to the Lord of the universe, to feel that you are seen.Think about it this way: if you were called to the principal's office this morning and firmly reminded of your responsibilities, how would you behave for the rest of the day? Even a difficult student behaves for at least a few hours after that meeting.Now imagine the meeting is with the Lord of the universe. Every morning before sunrise. Fajr carries you through the morning. Then Dhuhr arrives before you can wander too far. Then Asr. Then Maghrib. Then Isha. If you are truly present in each one — truly establishing, not just performing — there is barely a gap for shaitan to work in.The prayer, established with presence, is the antidote.We Began Without Clothes — We Return Without ClothesAllah closes this passage with a reminder: just as we entered this world, we will return to Allah. Naked. On the plains of Yawmul Qiyamah, everyone resurrected the same way.Sayyidatuna Aisha asked: won't we be ashamed — with everyone around us?The Prophet ﷺ said: the day will be too great. No one will have the capacity to think about anyone else. Even the greatest prophets — Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa — when people come to them seeking intercession, they will say: nafsi, nafsi. Myself, myself. I have my own account to answer for.Only the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ will say: this is what I was created for. And he will intercede.On that day, the sun will feel as though it is a hand span above our heads. People will be drowning in their own sweat. But some will be shaded — elevated on hills, wearing shining crowns, alongside their spouses. People will look up and wonder who they are, what they did to deserve this.They will be told: your children memorised the Quran.If the parents of Quran memorisers are raised to such a station — what of the memorisers themselves?It Is Never Too LateThe Prophet ﷺ received his first revelation at 40. Abu Bakr accepted Islam at 38. Neither said: I am too old for this.If memorising the entire Quran feels out of reach, change the target. One ayah a day, understood deeply, revised slowly, carried with you. One juz a year. In thirty years, you have the whole Quran — memorised with comprehension, not just repetition.And if life takes you before you finish? The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever makes a consistent effort toward something and is prevented from completing it, Allah will complete the reward for them.Start. Stay consistent. Do not give up.Anything attached to the Quran becomes elevated in the eyes of Allah.We stopped here tonight. Tomorrow insha'Allah, we continue.Following along with the series? Consider a paid subscription to receive a free digital copy of the Surah Al-A'raf Study Guide and Workbook. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit groundeddaily.substack.com/subscribe
The freedom of self-expression has become a catch-all justification for everything done online. Why should children be allowed to have social media at a young age? Because they need to express themselves! Mark Zuckerberg even used this justification of ‘self-expression’ under oath in the landmark social media addiction trial. In this episode, Kelly exposes how ‘self-expression’ has been hijacked to exploit children and steal childhood. What was once “play” is now “performance,” and what used to be “creativity” is now “content.” This is a foundational episode that helps parents understand the larger cultural narrative at play. Also, upcoming episodes build on this idea that ‘self-expression’ is a necessary part of childhood. Articles referenced: Different Creative Playgrounds: Use Social Media for Creative Development Kids Mental Health Foundation: Kids and Social Media What kids are actually doing on social media and why that matters How Online Communities Can Help Children The New Era of Self-Expression: How the next generation are tackling social media, creativity, and authenticity Social Media and Mental Health in Children and Teens Unlock the Power of Self-Expression Scripture referenced: Genesis 1:27 Ephesians 2:10 Deuteronomy 6:5-7 Proverbs 22:6 Matthew 6:1 Acts 2 Proverbs 22:15 Book a Speaking Event!! Buy the NEWLY UPDATED book: Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised & Updated) Get Kelly’s new Study Guide & Workbook, with video teachings for small groups. Check out our brand new Brave Parenting Merch Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s happening without social media – a win for everyone!
February 25 |Exodus 5:22-6:30, Matthew 18:23-35, Psalm 24:1-2, Proverbs 10:15-16 // Follow along with the "Walking through the Word Daily Reading and Study Guide" in the Daily Life Journal and Daily Life Journal 4 Kids! Get your copy today, or grab a gift for someone you love this Christmas. lifereachresources.com/core4
••• Living A Balanced Life, Ep 417b . ••• Bible Study Verses: Genesis 2.18, Psalm 68.6, Philippians 2:5-8 . ••• Part-A Bible Verses: Psalm 61:1-4, Jeremiah 8:22, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 22:28, Luke 10.38-42 . ••• “An exquisite watch went irregularly, though no defect could be discovered in it. At last it was found that the balance wheel had been near a magnet; and here was all the mischief. If the soundest mind be magnetized by any predilection, it must act irregularly”, Richard Cecil, 1748-1777. † ••• “Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves” Mark 6.3-32 NKJV . ••• What are 5-Negative consequences of living an unbalanced life? ••• What are 3-reasons why so many people have adapted a life of social isolation? ••• What are 7-ways to help some to win the battle of the mind? ••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you will intentionally live a more balanced life through the power of Holy Spirit? Part-A Bible Study Questions: ••• Why is suicide amongst 5-year olds to 17-years olds the highest it's ever been in such an affluent society? ••• Why are there so many sad people in churches? ••• What is the battle OF the mind? ••• What 2-types of people have no problems or troubles? ••• Why are so many people having difficultly in dealing with everyday issues? ••• What does 'do not remove ancient landmarks' mean in issues of the mind? ••• What are 5-important components of commonsense living? ••• What are 5-Negative consequences of living an unbalanced life? ••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible. ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is a listener supported production by all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ . ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Etty Fidele Photography, Paris France, https://www.fideletty.com/, https://www.instagram.com/fideletty/, https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/FideleEtty, Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Richard-Cecil-Quotes/ . Evangelical Anglican clergyman of the 18th & 19th centuries. His father was an Anglican while his mother was a Dissenter, whose family had been devout Christians for generations. He later became minister of 2-small livings in Lewes, Sussex. After the death of his parents, he moved, because of bad health, to Islington, London & preached at different churches & chapels there. For some years he preached a lecture at Lothbury at 6 AM Sabbath morning & later an evening lecture in Orange St., followed by the chapel in Long Acre. From 1787 he preached the evening lecture at Christ Church, Spitalfields. In 1788 he became minister of St John's Chapel, Bedford Row, which became a major Evangelical Anglican venue continuing into the mid 19th century . ••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/ep417b-winning-the-battle-of-for-the-mind-pt2b . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• RESOURCE: FREE Max Maclean Chronological Audio Bible! https://tinyurl.com/godspeaks777 . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• FERP260228 Episode#417b GOT260228 Ep417b . ••• Winning The Battle Of the Mind, Part-2b of 10: Living A Balanced Life, Ep 417b . ††† Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Meta Ray-Ban Smart glasses have exploded in popularity. They allow people to film strangers without consent or even their awareness, which means that ordinary public interactions can now be turned into social media content. How are Christian parents to think about this latest tech gadget? And strangers becoming content? Articles referenced: Pranksters and pickup artists are using Meta Ray-Ban glasses to harass strangers for content So-called ‘manfluencers' are filming themselves trying to pick up women. Smart glasses are their perfect tool Scripture referenced: Genesis 1:26-27 Genesis 9:6 James 3:9 Matthew 22:37-40 Philippians 2:3-4 Romans 2:10 Matthew 6:1-6 John 12:43 Galatians 1:10 1 Peter 1:14-16 Romans 12:1-2 Book a Speaking Event!! Buy the NEWLY UPDATED book: Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised & Updated) Get Kelly’s new Study Guide & Workbook, with video teachings for small groups. Check out our brand new Brave Parenting Merch Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s happening without social media – a win for everyone!
February 18 |Genesis 49:1-33, Matthew 16:1-12, Psalm 21:1-7, Proverbs 10:3-4 // Follow along with the "Walking through the Word Daily Reading and Study Guide" in the Daily Life Journal and Daily Life Journal 4 Kids! Get your copy today, or grab a gift for someone you love this Christmas. lifereachresources.com/core4
Introducing 1, 2, & 3 John. Zach Seelye Joins the podcast to overview our 1 John Bible study. We discuss the key themes and how your study of 1 John will be different from your study of Romans.This episode of the Podcast is brought to you by:RCD New Member Dinner:Sun, Feb 22 | 6-7 pm @ RCDIf you're a new member, or recently started attending RCD you are invited! RSVP Here: https://subspla.sh/jjhgzvkMen's Night: The 2026 Kickoff eventFri, February 27 | 7-9 pm @ RCDRegister Here: https://subspla.sh/xjb7hj7
Fast finishers can throw your whole class off pace when you're already feeling behind. In this episode, I share how to manage fast finishers during notes, practice, labs, projects, and tests without adding more to your plate. I explain why differentiating notes is worth the effort, how to create a “no idle hands” classroom culture, and simple ways to give early finishers meaningful work. These are practical systems I used in my own classroom to reset expectations, keep students engaged, and work smarter, not harder, for the rest of the school year!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode222
professorjrod@gmail.comThis episode of Technology Tap: CompTIA Study Guide dives into the essential networking concept of DHCP and the critical question every device asks on a network: 'Who am I?' Understanding DHCP is key for IT skills development, helping you assign IP addresses, manage subnet masks, and configure DNS settings efficiently. Whether you're preparing for your CompTIA exam or enhancing your technology education, this tech exam prep episode breaks down complex networking components into clear, digestible explanations. Join us as we explore how devices establish their identity on networks and troubleshoot connectivity challenges effectively.We map the full DORA exchange and explain what each step means on the wire. Then we take on the headaches: APIPA addresses that scream “no server answered,” scopes that quietly run dry, and VLANs where broadcasts stop at the router. You'll learn how to architect a central DHCP service with relay agents across subnets, tune lease durations for guests versus office gear, and avoid conflicts with smart exclusions. Real-world stories reveal how a rogue consumer router can hijack traffic, and we share practical defenses using DHCP snooping, trusted ports, and better inventory to shut down shadow IT before it bites.Certification seekers get a rapid-fire quiz that cements the essentials: spotting 169.254.x.x, defining a scope, choosing the correct gateway role, and using DHCP snooping to stop unauthorized offers. We also connect the dots to the cloud: how virtual machines, VPCs, and Kubernetes pods receive identities dynamically so services discover each other and policies hold. Throughout, we keep it hands-on with ipconfig tips, quick checks to confirm routing and DNS, and a simple mental model for leases that makes troubleshooting second nature.If this helped you think like a technician, tap follow, share it with a teammate who lives in ipconfig, and leave a quick review so more learners can find us. Got a DHCP war story or a tip that saves minutes under pressure? Drop it in the comments and let's compare notes.Support the showArt By Sarah/DesmondMusic by Joakim KarudLittle chacha ProductionsJuan Rodriguez can be reached atTikTok @ProfessorJrodProfessorJRod@gmail.com@Prof_JRodInstagram ProfessorJRod
Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Shine-StudyGuideA 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg. We've made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group! Just download, print and go!John opens this study on Philippians with a deceptively simple question: How are you going to greet people today? We tend to think greetings don't matter much, but John says they're actually sacred moments — tiny doorways into connection. He tells a story about a boss who always stopped, made eye contact, smiled, and made people feel seen. Then he notices something remarkable about Jesus: people interrupted him constantly… and nobody ever said, “Sorry to bother you.” Somehow, people weren't a bother to Jesus. John reminds us that even small changes in how we address one another reflect something much deeper about who we are becoming.ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR SHINE HERE:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UE38nc_diriBs3EqIq7GcpFBecome New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team
Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/GetOutMore-StudyGuideA 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg. We've made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group! Just download, print and go!In this episode, John opens a new series with a refreshingly honest question: is technology a life-giving gift… or a soul-draining mess? (Spoiler: it's both.) He talks about how grateful he is for the way tech lets this little “Fellowship of the Withered Hand” learn and pray together, and at the same time, he names the rising tide of loneliness, anxiety, and screen addiction shaping modern life. Drawing from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, John points out how especially hard this has become for young people. That's why this series is called We Should Get Out More: not as a guilt trip, but as an invitation — back into the real world God made, and beyond the echo chambers that quietly shrink our souls.ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR WE SHOULD GET OUT MORE HERE:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UEqjtJZ1k9CDNBR7WoAdBvbBecome New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team
Send a textEpisode SummaryIn a world that is loud, divided, and quick to judge, empathy feels rare.But empathy is not weakness. It is the way of Jesus.In this episode, we slow down and study Scripture together to understand empathy not as a personality trait, but as a biblical posture formed by the heart of God.After last week's episode on finding hope when the world feels broken became the most responded-to episode in all 120 recordings, it became clear: people are longing to be seen, understood, and met with compassion.So today, we open our Bibles and look at how Jesus modeled empathy in real, tangible ways.What We Study in This EpisodeJohn 5:1–9 — The Man at the PoolJesus heals without blame or interrogation of past failure.Matthew 8:1–3 — The LeperCompassion crosses social and religious barriers.Luke 10:25–37 — The Good SamaritanEmpathy that is costly, courageous, and obedient.What You'll Walk Away With• A deeper theological understanding of empathy • A clearer view of how Jesus embodied compassion • Insight into why empathy feels scarce in today's culture • Practical ways to cultivate empathy rooted in ScriptureEmpathy begins with seeing.And seeing begins with slowing down.Grab your Bible as you listen, and download the free companion study guide to continue digging into the historical context, theological meaning, and personal application of this episode.Download the Episode #120 Study Guide here: [Insert Link]Key Verse (SOAP Together)“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” — Luke 10:33If this episode encouraged or challenged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need to be reminded of what compassion looks like.Let's be people who don't just pass by. Let's be people who see.Connect with Leslie: Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/Email: lmartinez@yourjoyfulorder.com to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching SessionsShop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:https://a.co/d/09Djvaw
Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Untroubled-StudyGuideA 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg. We've made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group! Just download, print and go!Jesus says something almost unbelievable: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” And he says it on the night before his death. In this episode, John Ortberg opens a journey into what it actually means to live with an untroubled heart in a deeply troubled world. He shares a moment with his friend Dallas Willard, who once asked him, “What are you doing under the circumstances?” That question reframes everything. We're not meant to live under our circumstances. We're meant to live inside God's care. John reminds us that the “heart” in Scripture isn't just emotions. It's the control center of your life. And while the world will stay troubled, your heart doesn't have to.ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR UNTROUBLED HEART HERE:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UGEuSydT4Y_gT754T89w535Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team
February 11 |Genesis 42:18-38, Matthew 13:47-58, Psalm 18:25-36, Proverbs 8:33-36 // Follow along with the "Walking through the Word Daily Reading and Study Guide" in the Daily Life Journal and Daily Life Journal 4 Kids! Get your copy today, or grab a gift for someone you love this Christmas. lifereachresources.com/core4
Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Insurmountable-StudyGuideA 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg. We've made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group! Just download, print and go!John Ortberg walks us into Matthew 5, where Jesus announces that the blessed life (life in God's kingdom) is available right here, right now, no matter your circumstances. The Sermon on the Mount is not abstract theory or impossible idealism; it is a practical, transformative vision for human life. Tolstoy once wrote that if Jesus' words were truly lived, they would create an entirely new social order. John brings it home with Jesus' simple summary of the whole teaching: treat others the way you would want to be treated.ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR INSURMOUNTABLE HERE:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UHXbT60EfcXVJF33i5mA-5fBecome New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team
Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Genesis-Study-GuideA 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg. We've made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group! Just download, print and go!In this episode, John invites us to slow down and breathe in a simple truth: God is the God of new beginnings. From the opening words of Scripture, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”... John shows how creation itself points to fresh starts, clean slates, and new possibilities. God didn't just create once and walk away; He is continually creating, sustaining every leaf, every breath, every moment. And that same creative presence is available to you right now. The God who says “do it again” to the sun each morning is the God who offers you a do-over.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team
Study Guide There are two contradictory braitot regarding the oil of the leper that was sprinkled for the sake of the wrong sacrifice. One rules that it is disqualified, and the other rules that it is valid. At first, it was suggested that one matches the opinion of Rabbi Eliezer - who disqualifies a guilt offering (which the oil of the leper is brought with) that is brought with the wrong intent - but this suggestion is rejected. They conclude by saying that each relates to a different issue: the one that permits is referring to permitting the remainder of the oil to be eaten, while the one that disqualifies relates to the owner receiving purification. The Mishna discusses elements of the Menora, mezuza, tefillin, and tzitzit that are essential. In the Menora, the seven branches are essential. The Gemara brings a braita that explains other elements of the Menora that are essential. It must be made from one chunk of gold; however, while the "chunk" is essential, it could be made from metals other than gold if gold is unavailable. How is this derived from the verses? How does this differ from the trumpets? Rav Papa, son of Rav Chanin, brought a braita with a debate between two Tannaim about whether all other metals could be used or only silver. However, Rav Yosef brings an alternative braita stating that the debate was about wood, but all agree that all other metals can be used. Rav Yosef further proves from two other braitot that his version is correct. Shmuel quotes an elder who described the height of the Menora and what could be found at every level. He also listed how many of the decorative elements were to be found on the Menora and ruled that each one is an essential part of the Menora.
Bob applies Mises' taxonomy of money and the regression theorem to Bitcoin, asking whether it should be classified as commodity or fiat money and whether Austrian theory really rules out Bitcoin ever becoming money.Related:Mises's The Theory of Money and Credit: Mises.org/HAP536aBob's Study Guide to The Theory of Money and Credit: Mises.org/HAP536bBob's Primer on Bitcoin: Mises.org/HAP536cPoliticians don't build prosperity. Entrepreneurs do. Join Keith Smith, Caitlin Long, Ryan McMaken, Per Bylund, and Timothy Terrell for our first event of 2026: Mises.org/HAHCThe Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Hayek for the 21st Century. Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree