When we think of God’s power helping us, we can feel that it’s something for the distant future. Jesus teaches it’s for today, right now, at this moment. “I AM the resurrection,” He said. You can access everything you need to get you through every moment given to you. Text is John 11    Podcast 88 Sheltering in Place      Week 3

Celtic Preacher

When God Seems Slow To Help

Jesus was quick to point out the wrong ways of thinking and responding to suffering. He invites us to follow His new way of living in a broken world. Our choices, decisions, and responses will be influenced by how we view God, ourselves, and others. It's no wonder Jesus said, "You live in the world, but you're not of the world." The text is John 9 The healing of the blind man.Sheltering In Place Week 2 Podcast 87

Responding To Suffering

During times of crisis, all our insecurities rise to the surface. All the things we rely upon suddenly feel shaky. Jesus addresses the need of the human heart to drink deeply from the Living Water that he freely gives. Podcast 86 Text John 4

When The World Feels Out Of Control

Sometimes we are left wondering about people, God, or situations, and there is no clear answer simply because we are asking the wrong questions. We can learn a lot from Nicodemus' conversation with Jesus. Jesus corrects Nicodemus before he asks his question. Jesus discerns Nic is off track before the conversation begins. The text is Gospel of John 3  Podcast 85

There Is No Answer When We’re Asking The Wrong Question

Being tempted isn't always an enticement to do something wrong it could just as quickly be avoidance, denial, minimizing, withdrawing, or procrastinating. Subtler forms of temptation are equally effective in breaking relationships and causing us much trouble. The text is Matthew 4. Jesus' wisdom, when tempted. Episode 84

The Reasonable Voice Of Temptation

People are fickle and forever changing. Jesus teaches, being true to yourself, and God is a more healthy path that comes with unexpected rewards.  Ash Wednesday teaching.   Gospel of Mathew 6.  Podcast 83

The Unending Task Of Seeking Approval And Admiration

Peter, James, and John had trouble listening to God so you are in good company if you wonder why guidance isn't more precise. Many things get in the way of listening especially when we disagree with what we hear. Fortunately, God doesn't seem to have difficulty repeating the message until we get it. The text is Matthew 17.  The Transfiguration. Podcast 82 

Learning To Recognize God’s Voice

Pretending you are a good person or a happy, successful, or content person doesn't help bring us to a place of peace with ourselves and others.  Jesus' Way always leads to integration. The first thing that needs to be dropped is pretense. Jesus teaches that being truthful with ourselves is the first step toward living an authentic life. Matthew 5:21-37 Sermon on the Mount Podcast 81 

Stop Pretending All Is Well

True love always protects the wisdom of the Bible teaches us. If you do not feel protected, it is not true love regardless of what someone tells you.  Good, healthy parents always protect their children, marriages, and partnership built on safeguarding all in their care thrive. We were designed to be a preserving quality in the world. "You are the salt of the earth," Jesus declares. When we are in line with God's ways,  we will always preserve and protect.  Podcast 80  Matthew 5:13-20  

Love Always Protects

Have you ever said something you wish you hadn't, clicked the send button prematurely, or blurted out your opinion when no one asked for it? From binge-watching Netflix to yet another bowl of ice cream, self-control is not encouraged, taught, nor admired. West Coast US living is all about excess, everything has to be bigger and faster. Jesus offers an entirely different way, which leads to true contentment and freedom from the multiply addictions that highjack our peace of mind.   Text is Matthew 5   Podcast 79 

Feeling Out Of Balance Or Unstable? Jesus' Wisdom On Self Control

We all have a calling, according to Jesus. A calling isn’t merely for pastors, nuns, monks, and religious professionals. A calling drives you forward and gifts you with a sense of passion, direction and, purpose. A calling keeps you on track when the going gets tough. Jesus teaches his first students (and us) what that calling is.        Text Matthew 4 Podcast 78

Life Is Aimless Without A Sense Of Direction

What does it mean to follow Christ? There's a phrase Jesus used often; he said, "Follow me."  What does he mean by that? How is it possible if he's not here? The whole idea of the following implies we are going somewhere. Where is that somewhere? The text is John 1:29-42 Podcast 77

It's Not So Much What You Do It's How You Do It

I entitled this talk the "forgotten" power of baptism because it seems to be relatively easy for followers of Christ's Way to get worn out, distracted and tired all because we forget of the promise of power, gifted to us, by Christ himself. When we feel overcome it can often be a sign we are trying too hard and going solo rather than staying in partnership with Christ. This talk gives an overview of baptism and why it is so important. The scriptures covered are Mark 1:9-11 and Romans 6         Podcast 76

The Forgotten Power Of Baptism

When you are not happy at Christmas, fear not, you are in good company. Christmas isn't about happy families, gifts, finding the love of your life, landing the right job, or any other happy endings the Hallmark movies tell us. The real Christmas story paints a picture of all not being well in the world along with a profound lack of peace, and yet, God gives the gift of assurance in a most unlikely way. Podcast 75 The text is Luke 2:1-14

All Is Not Calm. Why Christmas Is Such A Big Deal.

We filter everything through our perspective. It's a habit that comes naturally to us, and it's a habit that needs to be broken, according to Jesus. We can second-guess ourselves, doubt our actions and decisions even when we are right on track. The greatest prophet that ever lived, Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, struggled with self-doubt. Jesus' advice to his cousin, John, is the same advice he would give to each one of us. "Don't take things personally." Don't take offense. Podcast 74.  Text Matthew 11:2-11

Don’t Take Offense. It’s Not About You

Celtic Preacher looks at the wisdom of Jesus and applies His timeless truths for today.

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Celtic Preacher

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