Podcasts about twenty first

Welcome to Episode #168 of Way of the Bible podcast. This is our eighth of eight episodes in our Twenty-First mini-series entitled, Sermon on the Mount Part 2. On today's episode we'll be taking a walk on the beach with DrZ to overview and comment on what we've learned on this mini-series.Welcome everyone to this early morning walk on the beach. I can see everyone is bundled up, and for good reason. I saw a moment ago from the front deck the sun has just had finally fully peaked over the horizon. The thermostat indicated 53 degrees and the flag was flapping, so its' breezy. This is going to be an awesome walk. By the time we're done in a little over an hour, you'll have that top layer off and soaking in the warming beach sands as the temp makes a quick rise on its way up to a high today of 73. We've got plenty of hot coffee and cocoa at the bar and assorted danish and hot donuts from the Donut Hole up on Hwy 98. Thanks Irwin for grabbing those for us. I'll meet you all out at the bottom of the porch steps in ten minutes.I see a few more arrived since I spoke to the group inside. Glad everyone could make it this morning. We're going to head to the beach and take a left walking into the sunrise. I'll make sure to stand to the side that best protects your eyes from direct rays of the rising sun. That's an interesting topic I'll have to save for our time around the coffee bar when we return. I've got my mind one of those huge apple fritters still on the platter. No more time to waste, let's head to the surf.WOW, look at that. The breeze has almost completely stopped, the water is so flat the Gulf of America looks more like a large lake as the sun rays glisten on the emerald waters. This never, ever, gets old. It brings to mind what the translucent floor of God's throne room must be like. One day we will see that translucent and be reminded of our time this morning on this beach and how confirm how much greater is the reality of what we hope for than what we can see from this side of glory. 

Welcome to Episode #167 of Way of the Bible podcast. This is our seventh of eight episodes in our Twenty-First mini-series entitled, Sermon on the Mount Part 2. On today's episode we're going to take a look at short multifaceted passage concerning life and the Kingdom.A quick review before we get started. I routinely do these reviews at the beginning of each mini-series episode to inform listeners who may be joining the podcast in real time of episode release without knowledge of the previous sequence of episodes. While each episode stands alone, eight episode mini-series comprise a bigger message, and the podcast library as a whole is an attempt to reveal a simple truth. What is in the Bible is not difficult or hard to understand if you have two keys. That understanding includes the entire book of Revelation, which is perhaps the most important book in the Bible. You can tell that by what is written at the very beginning and very end of the book of Revelation. Revelation 1:3 – Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. It Is the only book in the Bible that says you are blessed if you read and/or hear the book read. Now certainly, God is not supposing the readers and/or hearers would not understand what was written. Yet that is what the far majority of people both in and out of the church say when encountering it. So what does that tell you? God is not playing hide the ball. It means that for a longtime, perhaps two millennia, the church has been Biblically illiterate, not seeing in plain sight what is in this book.The last verse in the book of Revelation 22:21– I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. What does this mean? It means exactly what it says, you may not understand it, but don't dare change anything about it. It is saying something critically important to the entire Bible.So you're blessed if you read it, and it's meant to say exactly what it says. Periord, literally, the end of the story God wants us to know. And how does the story end? In a new heavens and on a new earth where God himself will have his throne and dwell with humanity into eternity. 

A woman in China shares touching stories of clarifying the truth to people while enduring hardships. She finds great kindness in the many people she has helped to understand the true nature of Dafa, and the persecution. One time she was aided by policeman who showed concern for her safety. This and other experience sharing […]

A woman in her 70's is released from prison for practicing Falun Dafa, one of many incarcerations over 14 years, to find her husband had died, her family was wary of her practice, and she even felt distanced by fellow practitioners. With a strong sense urgency to save people, she wanted to seize the time […]

A loyal daughter is confronted with her own attachments when her father is twice diagnosed with cancer. She looked within to find her own attachments; and carefully clarified the truth to her father about the CCP, a delicate task, as he had been a loyal and high ranking member of the party for many years. […]

A practitioner in China shares her experience with carefully clarifying the truth to young people, who may be especially hard to reach as they as busy with their studies or earning an income. She leads with kindness, and offers them amulets and USB drivers with videos. Often they are surprised to learn how popular Falun […]

From the China Fahui. A practitioner shares the righteous and arduous path of cultivating well and clarifying the truth to court officials after her sister was wrongfully arrested for her faith. She treated each individual within the court system with compassion, and wished for their good futures, while helping them to quit the CCP. This […]

An example of a Dafa practitioner's understanding of how to become a selfless person through practicing the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. Having suffered through 30 years of painful illnesses since she was a child, and then being fully restored to health by Dafa, she then went on to overcome countless tribulations in her […]

Welcome to Episode #166 of Way of the Bible podcast. This is our sixth of eight episodes in our Twenty-First mini-series entitled, Sermon on the Mount Part 2. On today's episode we're going to take a look at Fasting in the Kingdom.On our last episode we looked at Why Jesus came to earth. On that episode I noted Jesus' coming was revealed by Paul in Ephesians 3:10-11 – His (God's) intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Before starting today, I wanted to add another passage from Ephesians 1 that makes it even more clear why Jesus came. Ephesians 1:7-10 – In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.Paul explains this most compactly to the Colossians in Colossians 1:19-20 – For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.The point being, it is not now, nor ever was all about you or us… You and I are not the center of the universe around which everything swirls as God stirs thoughts in his mind. We are but a puff of smoke, a vapor in time soon to be swept away. What! You say. “I don't like thinking about such things” If that is you, I encourage you to hear the words of Joshua and David, both on the precipice of crossing through the veil of dimensionality and into eternal life. First from Joshua 23:14 – “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.”Joshua was not wringing his hands about what was coming next in his life. Rather, he used this opportunity to witness to whoever would “hear” that the promises God made to Israel were fulfilled, none were lacking. The understanding is, to believe God, do what he says, and receive the blessings of God as a result of obedience. Similarly, David repeated this same thought to his son Solomon in 1 Kings 2:1-4 – When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the LORD may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.'The point of life being but a puff of smoke is to get us to see, truly, what life as a puff of smoke is about.  Life is meaningless without Jesus. Only two groups of people recognize the significance of this statement. The first group would be those who try to disprove it scientifically or philosophically. Remaining on this deep downward path eventually leads to the inescapable utter darkness of atheistic nihilism.

A school teacher in China was blessed to have a serious illness removed when he began practicing Dafa. He later suffered intense persecution by the CCP, and even had his monthly pension stolen by an administrator for 16 years; but when he understood that it was truly the persecutors who are persecuted he was able […]

From the 2024 China Fahui; As punishment for refusing to renounce Dafa, a teacher is sent away from her home town to teach in a rural school with few resources and a poor reputation. Unable to be with her family, and under intense scrutiny by colleagues and locals, she makes it her responsibility to disprove […]

From the China Fahui, a primary school teacher, dedicated to her students, was suddenly confronted by complaints from parents, and struggled with resentment, feeling she had been mistreated. Through reminding herself of Fa teachings, and carefully looking at her own attitude of sometimes feeling superior, and also seeing examples of selflessness in fellow practitioners, she […]

Welcome to Episode #165 of Way of the Bible podcast. This is our fifth of eight episodes in our Twenty-First mini-series entitled, Sermon on the Mount Part 2. On today's episode we're going to take a slight detour and address why Jesus came when he did.On our last episode we l=ooked at the Lord's Prayer, in which Jesus said in Matthew 6:10 – Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. For numerous past episodes I've been talking about this kingdom, the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God, the kingdom of his Son whom he loves, etc. We looked ever so briefly at if this was a literal or figurative kingdom. Jesus told Pilate in John 18:36 – “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” “When” this kingdom was coming was addressed by Jesus in Luke 17:20-21 – Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!' or ‘See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” [NKJV]Why the kingdom is coming is an entirely different matter and is literally the subject of the entire Bible. Most people won't go and look at the “why” answer, even believers. It can literally make your head hurt. Those who can best understand it are particle physicists because they know mathematically and experimentally nothing is really here except concentrations of light energy. I know, that's a lot to handle.Let's start with something easy. Jesus said in John 4:24 – God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” That actually loses most people to a simple thought that God is only in your mind. When in reality, God is all there is. We are all in a very real sense existing in the mind of God even now. Stop, Stop, my head is hurting already. OK, we'll stop there and keep going down another path. Simply look at how the Bible starts and ends. Specifically, Genesis Chapters 1 to 3 and Revelation Chapters 20 to 22. In Genesis Chapters 1 and 2 we are introduced to the creation narrative. I believe these to be reflective of what God wants us to know about what really happened at the beginning. The reason why this is important is how the Bible ends; which we'll get to momentarily. If you can't believe how the Bible begins, you certainly won't believe how it ends. And without the beginning and end being true, the rest of the Bible doesn't make sense. I don't mean you can't read it like an interesting novel, or a book written by a spiritualists or philosopher. With all thoughts starting with man and ending with man and no God or gods there shall be. Yet it talks all about God and gods. Thus, the Bible doesn't make sense without Genesis and Revelation both being true.I hate to burst your bubble, but you may be believing in vain. Not realizing that Paul was telling his readers what is really true in Colossians 1:12-14 – giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. What the heck does it mean to be transferred from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of his beloved Son? Is that transfer some intellectual switch in your mind? Or an actual spiritual phenomena that you experienced. For time, I've got to stop her. Back to the topic at hand. In Genesis 3, we are introduced to a serpent who deceives Eve to eat the forbidden fruit who then gives it to her husband who was with her and he at it. Immediately, sin, condemnation, and death entered not just

From the China Fahui, an HR manager lost her job at a state agency 20 years ago because she practices Falun Dafa. Here she describes her cultivation journey through her work in the private sector. Though faced with many challenges, and the often difficult and painful task of finding and correcting her shortcomings, she gained […]

From the China Fahui, a practitioner discovered that her pension had been suspended after she was released from an illegal two year prison term for her faith in Dafa. Here she documents the extreme tenacity she displayed in speaking the truth while countering this financial persecution. This and other experience sharing from the Minghui website. […]

A young practitioner in China began learning Dafa while in kindergarten. Here he shares the valuable lessons he has learned in his young life while cultivating away attachments through his school years, his university education, and into his professional life. This and other experience sharing from the Minghui website. Original Articles:1. China Fahui | Cultivating […]

A practitioner in Hebei Province obtained the Fa and felt a great joy for having discovered this priceless teaching. Here she shares how she always puts the principles of Dafa first in everything she does, from buying a house for her family, to setting up practice and study sites, and printing Dafa books and materials […]

From the China Fahui; having cultivated in Falun Dafa for 27 years is a long time, however this practitioner discovered he still had attachments to remove. From the many hints given through his colleagues behavior, he began to see his own jealousy and resentment. By looking at his own thoughts and behavior and wanting to […]

A woman in Liaoning Province began practicing Falun Dafa in 1996. For years she had endured a difficult and volatile marriage. Her husband's explosive temper and violent outbursts caused her much distress, and they often fought. When she learned the principles of Dafa, she made it a point to always treat him with kindness, no […]

Welcome to Episode #164 of Way of the Bible podcast. This is our fourth of eight episodes in our Twenty-First mini-series entitled, Sermon on the Mount Part 2. On today's episode we'll be hearing Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray. Now this is a big topic. Prayer.I have to admit, growing up as a Catholic I really didn't think I had a problem with prayer. Since my first communion and later Catechism classes I had a plethora of memorized prayers. Some for use in when in mass and other for use after confession. The in-mass prayers typically included a Hail Mary and an Our Father. The confessional prayers typically included an Act of Contrition an Apostles Creed and multiple Hail Mary's and Our Father's depending on the accuracy of my confession. I have to admit, I held back quite a lot. Eventually knowing I'd forgotten more than I remembered of my sinful past which hadn't been confessed, I realized I was too far gone for grace and accepted hell as my destiny. And that turned out to reemerge in my struggle to receive Christ at my spiritual rebirth by the Holy Spirt. I've shared this account before and will reshare this account on another episode but not right now.The skinny was I wrong about that. But in total honesty, that's how I felt at the soul level. I was unworthy of Jesus, so I had to find another way to God other than my Catholicism. Fortunately for me I married a Baptist and I discovered an entirely different kind of works based salvation than my former faith practices. “We don't drink, we don't smoke, we don't  dance, we don't chew, and we don't go with girls that do.” For me I felt right at home knowing I was breaking all these as well, but they didn't make me confess it so I didn't think about hell. I grew comfortable saying I believed in Jesus and if by chance after I died, I'd came to see him and/or Peter at the gate of heaven, I'd just deny ever remembering my sin. Believe me, I had gotten very good at forgetting sin as soon as I sinned it. No guilt or shame, that was my saving grace so I thought.It was in this new religion I discovered ad hoc prayers. Whatever rolled off my tongue in the moment. Little forethought. Uncomfortable of making a mistake at first, I soon mastered the craft of just talking at God in a measured tone.After a radical salvation by the Holy Spirit my prayer life changed to a more scripture-based content from passages I'd been memorizing. This lasted a good long time before I was awakened out of my prayer slumber. Up to this awakening I became a Methodist, then a none, then a charismatic, before finally settling in a non-denominational evangelical church where I got radically saved in the second service I attended. Once born again, I had questions about talking with God. Then I heard a pastor from the pulpit say his greatest struggle in ministry was his prayer life. That rocked me, how was that possible. I started to do some research and discovered prayer was one of the most written about topics out there. No one seemed to have a handle on it. Everyone had their own take, I guessed to sell more books. I certainly was struggling but I wasn't fully committed like a pastor. I went to seminary and got an MDIV and found no adequate answer there. I had several seminary professors confess struggling with prayer. This seemed to be shear madness. I limped along for over 25 years until last year when I discovered the secret of prayer in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Others have four the same discovery in an area called Lectio Devina. In short, they both emphasize spiritual meditation and contemplation. Learning by doing that special emphasis has been a game changer. And why do I share all that before getting to today's lesson? Because, had I known then what I know now, I would have known the value of Jesus' teaching on prayer he gave to his disciples. Jesus in a very compact less

Welcome to Episode #163 of Way of the Bible podcast. This is our third of eight episodes in our Twenty-First mini-series entitled, Sermon on the Mount Part 2. On today's episode we'll be hearing Jesus teach another foundational and hidden principle of life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Giving to the Needy.You will see this principle of giving to the needy exhibited throughout the scriptures, intimated in the name of God, embedded in the LAW, a major element of the Servant characterized in Isaiah, and of course the hallmark of Jesus' ministry. Let's start with that last one and then get into the passage where Jesus addresses our Giving to the Needy. Jesus said of himself in Matthew 20:26-28 – But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” We were all once dead in our trespass and sin, and even now we are all needy. Jesus came to serve us both then and now. How you ask? It starts with then…Romans 5:6-8 – For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.It is our belief in the sufficiency of Christ's service unto death for our sins and his resurrection bringing us new life that we are saved.An example of Jesus serving us now is found in Romans 8:34 – Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Why is this intercession important? Revelation 12:10 – “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. Every accusation against you made by the devil, Jesus smothers out in intercession with the Father.Acts 3:1-10 – Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.With that as a brief introduction, let's jump into Matthew 6:1-4 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Part 4: The Seventh Seal. Inspired by the Sokuzan, Tao, Katha Upanishad, Wisdom of the Sages, Ram Dass, Trace Sahaja.  Audiobook.  Mature listeners only (18+).

Welcome to Episode #162 of Way of the Bible podcast. This is our second of eight episodes in our Twenty-First mini-series entitled, Sermon on the Mount Part 2. On today's episode we'll be hearing Jesus teach the second of two very difficult principles he reveals for Kingdom of Heaven living at the end of Matthew 5.The first difficulty was the prohibition against retaliating against the actions of an evil person. If struck on the cheek you were to turn the other, if you get sued and lose your tunic you are to give him your cloak as well, if asked to go one mile – go two miles, give to those who beg and finally do not refuse one who would borrow from you. These are in the moment actions in response to be confronted face to face. These are not meant for enslavement or sadistic behavior with an evil person. You will see confirmation of this notation when Jesus sent out his twelve Apostles to the lost sheep of Israel and instructed them in Matthew 10:14 and 23 – 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. He did not command his Apostles to remain in the towns so as to be persecuted, but to leave and go to another place. What to do about persecution is in our passage for today. More on that in a moment.To be brief, in the case of an “in your face trial of the moment,” we are to, as did Jesus, submit ourselves to the mercy and grace of God, manifest God's name to our oppressor, and pray for rescue from the trial or the grace to endure. Now to today's passage. I've entitled this episode, Love Your Enemies and Pray for Persecutors. You may, even now, think that seems strange to hear. But let's give it a few minutes and I think what Jesus is saying will begin to sink in.Matthew 5:43-48 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Welcome to Episode #161 of Way of the Bible podcast. This is our first of eight episodes in our Twenty-First mini-series entitled, Sermon on the Mount Part 2. On today's episode we'll be hearing Jesus teach the first of two very difficult principles he reveals for Kingdom of Heaven living at the end of Matthew 5.Many listening may be thinking, “If that's the imagery, DrZ, experiencing torrents in the flesh does not sound very restful.” And of course, that is exactly why many ignore these last two principles in Chapter 5 or say they are for someone else at a future time. For many years that's where I lived, thinking these principles were not for today. But then I learned more fully about the kingdom of heaven and there is indeed rest in the torrent of the flesh.Paul spoke of this experience himself in relationship to his thorn in the flesh from the devil. I thought about sharing portions but am now certain I should share the entire account, as it has direct bearing on what we are going to hear Jesus say as I read today.2 Corinthians 12:1-10 – I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Did you get that? If not, go back and read it again; 2 Cor 12:1-10. I'll reread verse 10 before reading the first of two hard principles of the kingdom of heaven, spoken by Jesus at the end of Matthew Chapter 5. 2 Cor 12:10 – For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Matthew 5:38-42- “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. ' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. 

Welcome to our One Hundredth and Twenty-First episode!Our podcast is dedicated to our favourite tabletop game, Dice Masters.Pour your favourite beverage, pull up a comfy chair 'cuz we are ready to roll.In this week's episode, we continue on with the keywords series, with Vengeance. We talk board games and go through the dice bag.There is a tournament happening!Dice Masters: World's EndUntil next time, on a Double Double ‘n Dice!--------------The following music was used for this media project:Music: Lobby Time by Kevin MacLeodFree download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3986-lobby-timeLicense (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-licenseArtist website: https://incompetech.comMusic: Silence Of The SeaFree download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/12275-silence-of-the-seaLicense (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/en/standard-license--------------Contact us: tripledpodcast@dm-north.comCheck us out on www.dm-north.comSupport us at ko-fi.com/dmnorthtvJoin the dmNorthTV DiscordNeed a dice bag? Contact Jocelyn and/or visit JoceStitch Etsy store

The examen is a centuries-old prayer practice that helps you find God in your daily life. This daily podcast is based on a technique that St. Ignatius Loyola outlined in the Spiritual Exercises, his classic manual for prayer. Each week Father James Martin, S.J. will provide you with a new reflection and guide you through the examen prayer. To support the production of The Examen podcast and access all of America's content, please become a digital subscriber.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: First Corinthians 1: 26-31 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 12-13, 18-19, 20-21 Alleluia: John 13: 34 Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 8/31/24.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

ROSARY - JOYFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Saturday.

The examen is a centuries-old prayer practice that helps you find God in your daily life. This daily podcast is based on a technique that St. Ignatius Loyola outlined in the Spiritual Exercises, his classic manual for prayer. Each week Father James Martin, S.J. will provide you with a new reflection and guide you through the examen prayer. To support the production of The Examen podcast and access all of America's content, please become a digital subscriber.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Corinthians 1: 17-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 1-2, 4-5, 10-11 Alleluia: Luke 21: 36 Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read Online“The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.' His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.'” Matthew 25:20–21Oftentimes, when we are presented with a story of success versus tragedy, our attention goes to the tragedy first. The parable we are given today, the Parable of the Talents, presents us with three persons. Two of the people display stories of great success. One, however, offers a story that is more tragic. The tragic story ends by the master telling the servant who buried his money that he is a “wicked, lazy servant!” But both of the success stories end with the master saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.” Let's focus upon these success stories.Both of the servants who were successful doubled the master's money. Even from a secular point of view, that is very impressive. If you were investing money with a financial advisor and shortly after investing you were told that your money had doubled, you'd be quite pleased. Such a rate of return is rare. This is the first message we should take from this parable. Doubling the gifts and graces God gives us is very doable. The reason for this is not primarily because of us; rather, it's because of God. By their very nature, God's gifts to us are meant to grow. By its very nature, grace flows in superabundance; and, when we cooperate with God's grace, then it grows in an exponential way.When you consider your own life, what gifts has God given to you that He wants you to use for His glory? Are there gifts buried away that remain stagnant or, even worse, are used for purposes that are contrary to the divine plan for your life? Some of the more obvious gifts you were given within your very nature are your intellect and will. Additionally, you may be extra-talented in one way or another. These are all gifts given on a natural level. In addition to these, God often bestows supernatural gifts in abundance when we begin to use what we have for His glory and for the salvation of others. For example, if you work to share the truths of our faith with others, God will begin to deepen your supernatural gifts of Counsel, Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding so that you will be able to speak about God and His will. All seven of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are among the clearest examples of supernatural gifts given by God as follows: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord. The prayer that concludes this reflection comes from a traditional novena to the Holy Spirit and not only asks for these gifts but also gives a short description of them for a better understanding. Reflect, today, upon the fact that what God has given to you, both on a natural and supernatural level, must be devoted to the service of God and others. Do you do this? Do you try to use every talent, every gift, every part of who you are for God's glory and the eternal good of others? If you don't, then those gifts dwindle away. If you do, you will see those gifts of God's grace grow in manifold ways. Strive to understand the gifts you have received and firmly resolve to use them for God's glory and the salvation of souls. If you do, you will also hear our Lord say to you one day, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”Oh, Lord Jesus Christ, grant me the Spirit of Wisdom, that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding, to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel, that I may choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining Heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude, that I may bear my cross with Thee and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge, that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety, that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable; the Spirit of Fear of the Lord, that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Parable of The Talents or Minas by Willem de Poorter, via Wikimedia Commons

ROSARY - SORROWFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Friday.

Read OnlineJesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise.” Matthew 25:1–2The “ten virgins” in this parable refer to the bridesmaids who were following Jewish tradition by going to the home of the bride to await the coming of the groom for a wedding. This parable is one of a few parables Jesus told that emphasizes the importance of being vigilant in our Christian walk. As the parable goes on, we are told that the groom was delayed and that the bridesmaids fell asleep. Upon waking, the foolish ones had no more oil for their lamps and had to leave to get some more. When they returned, they discovered that the groom had already arrived and that the door was locked. They then knocked and said, “Lord, Lord, open the door for us!” But the reply came to them, “Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.” And they missed out on the wedding celebration.Traditionally, the “oil” has been understood as a reference to charity. The message is simple. As we prepare to meet our Lord in Heaven, it is not enough to make the claim that we are Christians. We must also produce the good fruit of charity by our actions. Faith must result in charity, otherwise it is not true faith at all.This parable should be taken seriously. We should use it as a regular source of examination of our lives in regard to the charity we have...or do not have. When you look at your life, can you point to regular acts of charity that flow from your love of God and are bestowed upon others? Charity is not based on your preferences in life. It's not based on what you feel like doing. Charity is always selfless and sacrificial. It always looks toward the good of the other. How much charity is alive in your life? Jesus clearly told this parable because He was aware of many who professed a faith in God but did not live the love of God. It's very easy to live our lives day in and day out, doing what we do because of our personal likes or dislikes. However, it is very difficult to foster true charity within our souls and to regularly choose to love others because it is good for them.We must work to foster charity, first, in our thoughts. Critical and condemning thoughts must be eliminated, and we must strive to see others as God sees them. Charity must also direct our words. Our words must be encouraging of others, kind, supportive and merciful. Our actions become charitable when we become generous with our time, go out of our way to serve and are diligent in the ways we express our love of others. Reflect, today, upon the high calling you have been given to live an active and manifest life of charity. Spend time reflecting upon what charity truly is. Have you allowed yourself to become guided by a more secular and selfish form of “love?” Do you act more out of selfish preferences than out of self-giving and sacrifice? Do you truly build people up and witness the love of God to them? Try to answer these questions seriously. This parable spoken from our Lord is much more than a story. It is truth. And the truth is that some will arrive at the day of judgment without the necessary “oil” for their lamps. Take our Lord seriously and examine your life of charity. Where you are lacking, become fervent in your mission to change. In the end, you will be eternally grateful you did. My loving Lord, You showed us all that true love is selfless and sacrificial. You came to this world to serve and to give Your sacred life for us all. May I open my life more fully to Your love so that Your love may also affect and direct every relationship I have. Fill me with the gift of charity, dear Lord, so that I will be fully prepared for the day of my particular judgment. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Parable of Wise and Foolish Virgins by Peter von Cornelius, via Wikimedia Commons

Read OnlineJesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.”  Matthew 23:27–28This would not have been an easy thing for the scribes and Pharisees to hear. It is a hard truth, spoken by our Lord, partly in an attempt to shake them free of their sin. And even though they may not have enjoyed hearing this clear condemnation spoken, since it came from the Savior of the World, we can be sure that these are words of the deepest love and were spoken so that these men would repent and change their ways. Perhaps each of us, at times, feels like criticizing another. Most often, when we feel this way, it stems from our own personal sin of anger.Perhaps we were hurt by another and that hurt results in a desire for a form of vengeance that comes from anger. But this was not the case with Jesus.First, these words were spoken by Jesus to his disciples and to the crowds of people, not only to the scribes and Pharisees. So in many ways Jesus spoke this for the good of those who were suffering under the misguided leadership of these religious leaders. But Jesus knew that these leaders would also hear His words, so He spoke those words to them. But unlike us, He did it out of perfect virtue so as to care for their souls.At times, each one of us needs to hear Jesus rebuke us in love. If any of the scribes and Pharisees were open at that time, then Jesus' words would have first stung them to the heart but then had the powerful effect of challenging them to change. They needed this and so do we. When we become stuck in our sins, especially if obstinacy sets in, then we need to allow Jesus to challenge us firmly. Such a challenge can be rattling, but that rattling is sometimes necessary. Emotion and passion can lead to sin, but it can also lead to repentance and conversion. The passion with which Jesus spoke became an instrument by which their own passions made them sit up and take notice. The result was that they either became more steeped in their sin or they repented. And though most became even more steeped in sin, which ultimately resulted in their persecution and death of Jesus, we can hope that there were some who did repent, such as Nicodemus. Reflect, today, upon the strength of Jesus' words to these religious leaders. Though they were supposed to be both “religious” and “leaders,” they were neither. They needed Jesus' strength, courage and firmness. They needed to be confronted directly and receive the hard and clear truth about their sin. Reflect upon what it is in your own life that Jesus wants to say to you. Is there an area of your life in which our Lord needs to address you with passion, strength, clarity and firmness? Most likely there is. Perhaps not in an area of serious sin like it was with these scribes and Pharisees, but if we are open, Jesus wants to powerfully go after every sin within us. Open yourself to Him and allow Him to help rid you of the sins with which you struggle the most. And be grateful for this grace when He does. My passionate Lord, You hate sin but love the sinner. You perfectly desire to rid me of all sin and all attachment to sin. Please open my mind and heart to hear Your rebukes of Love so that I may respond to Your invitation to repent with all my heart. I love You dear Lord. Free me from sin so that I may love You more. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Jerusalem - Jesus among the scribes mosaic, via Adobe

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Thessalonians 1: 1-5, 11-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: Matthew 23: 13-22   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com  

Read Online“Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel! Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.” Matthew 23:24–26Imagine if someone were to offer to wash the dishes after dinner and all they did was to wash the outside of the cups and bowls but left the inside untouched and then placed them back in the cupboard. The next time you would go to use them, you would find them looking good until you took them down and saw the dried liquid and food inside. This is the image that Jesus uses to describe the Pharisees. They only cared about the external appearance and ignored the more important interior of the soul.Jesus also used the contrasting images of straining out the gnat and swallowing the camel. This was a reference to the laws in Leviticus that forbade the Israelites from eating “swarming creatures,” such as gnats and other bugs, (Leviticus 11:41–45) as well as the meat of camels (Leviticus 11:4). Saying that the Pharisees “strain out the gnat and swallow the camel” was a figure of speech by which Jesus accused the Pharisees of distorting the smallest details of the law while ignoring the most important ones. For example, the Pharisees required everyone to strain all liquid before drinking it, just in case a gnat accidentally was present in that liquid, but they cared little about true justice when it came to killing the Son of God. For these reasons, the Pharisees had become “blind guides” and “hypocrites,” incapable of leading people to holiness.The bottom line is that Jesus is telling us that we must truly become holy, not just appear so. God sees the heart and judges the heart. The only other person who can see your heart is you. Therefore, we must also hear this condemnation of the Pharisees so that we will understand the importance of looking into our own souls first and foremost. From there, from the holiness within, our exterior will also radiate the holiness of God.One of the documents of Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes, beautifully speaks to us about the conscience: “Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of a man. There he is alone with God, Whose voice echoes in his depths” (#16). This “secret core and sanctuary” within us is what Jesus is most concerned about. Very often we are tempted to be far more concerned about how we look to others than how we truly are inside. For example, the person who lives a sinful double life may go to great lengths to look holy to others, doing all they can to hide their sin from others. On the contrary, someone might be living a very holy life but be falsely accused by another publicly, causing much pain. In the former case, as long as the person is not found out, they appear at peace. In the latter case, even though the person is living a good and holy life, if they are falsely accused, they may be tempted to despair as their public image is shattered.What others think and say about us is ultimately out of our control to a lesser or greater degree. What is within our control is that which is within us. Our interior life, that secret core, that sanctuary within where we meet God, must become the focus of our energies. Exteriorly, it ought not matter that others praise us or criticize us. What matters is that which is true, and only you and God can look into your heart to see that truth. The Pharisees failed to understand this essential truth. They put all their energy into their public image, neglecting that which was most important, making them incapable of leading others to God.Reflect, today, upon your soul. How often do you look inside yourself? Are you able to be honest with yourself, acknowledging your sin and being grateful for your virtue? Or are you among those who are more concerned with how you look to others? Turn your eyes to the secret sanctuary within because it is there, in that secret core, that you will meet God, grow in holiness and then radiate that true holiness within our world. When that happens, God will also be able to use you to be a true guide to holiness for others. Lord of true holiness, You desire to cleanse my soul, and You invite me to meet You there within. Please give me the grace I need to care more about my holiness within than the external perceptions and judgments of others. May I become holy, dear Lord, and learn to become an instrument of that holiness for others. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured images above: Curses Against the Pharisees By James Tissot, via Brooklyn Museum

Sunday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post Sunday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Read Online“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.” Matthew 23:13Today begins Jesus' “Woe to you…” condemnations of the scribes and Pharisees. He issues seven subsequent condemnations. The one quoted above is His first. At the time, Jesus' condemnations of these religious leaders fell mostly on deaf ears. They were obstinate and would not listen to what Jesus had to say. But it's useful to note that these condemnations appear to actually be spoken about the scribes and Pharisees to the disciples and the crowds to whom Jesus was speaking.Though there are many lessons we can learn from our Lord, let's consider the first thing He says. He condemns hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is essentially saying one thing and doing another. It's a disconnect between what we say and what we do. Hypocrisy can also come in the form of trying to present oneself as if one has every virtue under Heaven but in reality cares little for the clear doctrine and moral precepts given us by God. In the scripture passage, the scribes and Pharisees claimed to be leading people to salvation, but they were condemning the very source of salvation. On one hand, some of what they taught was true, but they failed to teach with the virtue that comes from God. On the other hand, some of what they taught was flat-out erroneous, because they were more concerned about their public persona than they were about the truth. Essentially, they were hypocrites, because their words and actions were neither united in the truth nor lived through the virtues given by God.These two opposing tendencies seem to be a source of much division within our Church today. On the extreme “right,” we have those who preach doctrine but fail to exercise the necessary virtue so as to be effective instruments of those truths. And on the extreme “left” are those who act as if so-called virtue is all that matters. They deemphasize the clear and unambiguous moral and doctrinal truths that were given to us by our Lord, so that others will praise them for appearing kind, accepting and compassionate toward all. The problem is that one cannot exclude truth from virtue or virtue from truth. Compassion is not compassionate if it lacks truth, and the truth is not true if it is not presented with the virtues by which our Lord wants them brought forth. And though the scribes and Pharisees appear to be more focused upon their interpretations of various truths to the exclusion of virtue, their struggle with hypocrisy is just as real for those on both extremes today.Reflect, today, upon the importance of embracing each and every moral and doctrinal precept given by our Lord. We must embrace everything He says with every fiber of our being. Reflect, also, upon how you express these teachings of Jesus to others. Do you strive to present the full Gospel with the greatest virtue? The deeper the truth, the more necessary is the virtue with which it is presented. And the more virtue you have, the better instrument of the full truth you will be. Strive to overcome every form of hypocrisy within your life by working toward true holiness. Holiness is wholeness. The Truth united to virtue. Only then will you escape from the condemnation of our Lord, but you will also thrive as a pure instrument of His saving grace.My saving Lord, You desired deeply that the religious leaders of the time be powerful instruments of Your saving Gospel by presenting all truth in pure love. Please free me from every error so that Your holy Word will be alive in me and will be sent forth to others through the manifestation of the many virtues You wish to bestow. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Woe unto You, Scribes and Pharisees By James Tissot, via Wikimedia Commons

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

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Welcome to the Twenty First episode of Rapaport's Reality! Starring Kebe & Michael Rapaport. This is the reality television podcast that the whole reality world has been waiting for. Live From The Bedroom! The Rapaport's are here to discuss: RHONJ Finale living rent free in their brains & the show must go on, shocking moments, being fully invested in Love Island, BTS of Reality Television, The Sopranoseque feeling & a whole lotta mo'! This episode is not to be missed!      An iHeartPodcasts Show   Stand Up Comedy Tickets on sale at: MichaelRapaportComedy.com   Produced by DBPodcasts.com Follow @dbpodcasts, @rapaportsreality, @michaelrapaport on Instagram & X   Subscribe to Rapaport's Reality Feeds:    iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/867-rapaports-reality-with-keb-171162927/   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rapaports-reality-with-kebe-michael-rapaport/id1744160673   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3a9ArixCtWRhfpfo1Tz7MR   Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/rapaports-reality-with-kebe-michael-rapaport/PC:1001087456   Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a776919e-ad8c-4b4b-90c6-f28e41fe1d40/rapaports-reality-with-kebe-michael-rapaportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may not see anything happening in the natural, but that doesn't mean God isn't working behind the scenes. Stay in faith. God not only heard your prayers; He has already set the miracle in motion. Believe big! Believe for more! Our March offer,This Time Next Year: Believe Big Journal, combines faith-building stories from Scripture with space to record your own reflections of the amazing things God is doing in your life. Be reminded each day that the God who breathed life into you is a more-than-enough God! Request your copy now,https://bit.ly/3IebX0B.