Celtic Preacher

Don’t Take Offense

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 and 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 of us. "Don't take things personally." Don't take offense. Why? Because most of the time, it's simply not about us.   Podcast 156. Text Matthew 11:2-11

That Was A Wake-Up Call-events that stop us in our tracks and cause us to reassess our lives.

Certain things happen in our life, and they often take us off guard and become teaching moments we never forget. It can happen during a time of transition or a time of loss. Teaching moments can come on the heels of significant failure or confusion. They are events that stop us in our tracks and cause us to reassess our lives. In Jesus' day, this was the task of the prophets. Prophets disrupt the peace because when we are in a state of imbalance, it's a perfect moment to be open to the new way God is showing us. Matthew 3:1-12. Pod 155 

Is This What I should Be Doing With My Life?

Pondering how you live and what you are spending your time on is a worthwhile practice. Jesus teaches us that since it is so easy to get off track and get bogged down by all the wrong things, it's good to reassess and make necessary changes when we sense something is either missing or out of balance. The text is Matthew 25. It's the first Sunday of Advent. Pod 154

Multiple Levels Of Healing For Multiply Levels Of Pain

Unsurprisingly, healing people was a big part of what Jesus did in the short time he spent here on the earth. He healed people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I think it's safe to say that whatever brokenness we have, God desires to address the multiple levels of brokenness in our lives and our world. In today's teaching, Jesus reminds us of a spiritual practice that can easily be neglected when we are overwhelmed by the things in our lives that are not going according to our plans. The text is Luke 18. The Healing of Ten Lepers (and then an unexpected extra.)  Podcast 153

Saying Too Much Or Saying Too Little?

It makes little difference to Jesus which side of the line we put ourselves on. We all know people who are quick to give their opinions whether we want them or not. We also know people who are so quiet we have no idea what they think. Some of us chastise ourselves because we should have spoken up, while others cringe when they play back a conversation in which we said too much. Jesus' answer to everyone is to learn the path of meekness. Blessed are the meek. Matthew 5 Pod 151.

Something Here Has Got To Change

A true authentic spiritual life leads to inner freedom, Jesus teaches. This kind of inner freedom draws out the very best of us. From experience, we know we don't suddenly get freed up from all our fears, anxieties, and bad habits overnight. However, Jesus insists, "I've come that you might have life," and it's a better life than we ever dreamed possible, but first, a few changes need to be made. Text is John 10 Podcast 150

What’s Wrong With Criticism?

We criticize others because we are impatient. We don't tolerate those who behave differently from us. We expect people to act as we would, and when they don't, we become angry. Getting stuck in the endless loop of criticism and anger is easy. It often begins in small ways, but before long, it takes on a life of its own. Jesus addresses criticism in,  The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax collector. Luke 18.    Pod 149

Don’t Lose Heart

Yes, there will be times of discouragement, Jesus teaches. There will be times when prayers and heart desires are unfulfilled. The good of prayer is not dependent upon the outcome. If you pray so that circumstances will change, you set yourself up for discouragement. Luke 18. Pod 148

Having A Faith Crisis?

Yes, it is possible to live without resentment, Jesus teaches. You have what it takes to learn how to live without carrying around a lot of past offenses, betrayal, and disappointment. It's about learning how to use your faith to propel you forward. Life was challenging to the first listeners, who complained they needed more faith. More faith isn't the answer; Jesus reminded them and us. It's more a case of learning how to use what we have. The text is Luke 17, Episode 147

Elusive Contentment

Contentment, why is it so difficult to find? The apostle  Paul would say, "It's a learned state of being." We are not naturally born content. Most of us are restless and want more than we think we need. No, that's not the answer, Paul would say, and it only leads to disappointment. There is a secret to finding contentment. The text is 1 Timothy 6