Celtic Preacher

The Ebb and Flow Of Our Spiritual Lives

Just like our emotional lives, our spiritual lives are not static. There are many highs and lows in our relationship with God. God does not change, but we certainly do. There are times when you wonder if you have lost your faith altogether. Jesus addresses this phenomenon in the Parable of the Sower. Text Matthew 13     Podcast 135

 

 

Don’t Be Derailed By The Wrong People

It's bound to happen. There will come a time when you are rejected, misunderstood, or criticized. How do you deal with that? Will you react with anger and hostility, or will you respond by staying on track? It's easy to be derailed by the wrong people. Jesus teaches James and John and us a better way to respond when people come against us or don't understand us at all. Podcast 134 
Text Luke 9:51-62

It’s Time To Speak Up

A part of spiritual maturity is learning to speak the truth even if people disagree and criticize you. It's not easy because sometimes it's easier not to get involved. Today, we look at the life of the first followers of Jesus, who model for us a courageous boldness when speaking out truths that need to be said. The text is Act 2. The day is Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit came in a new and visible way to the believers. Podcast 132

Does My Life Really Make Any Difference?

Yes, my life might be a drop in the ocean, but Jesus says, "Your life is a world changer, Oh and by the way, it's really not all up to you; It's the Holy Spirit that changes your life; those around you, your circumstances, and the world."  Don't get bogged down by asking the wrong questions. The first task is learning how to wait. The text is the Book of Acts 1: 1-11, commonly known as  The Ascension text. Pod 130

Getting Out Of God’s Way

Can you get in God's way? "Yes," Peter, the prominent leader of the early church, would say. Peter knew what it was like to resist what God was doing. We can waste a lot of time and energy insisting things have to be done in a particular way and fail to see the new way God is showing us. Acts 11:1-18 Podcast 129

Learning How To Listen To God’s Direction

Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice; they don't follow the stranger's voice." Following Easter, the disciples/students of Jesus had to learn how to listen in a new way. Jesus would no longer be there to guide them in face-to-face conversation. Like us, the first students had to figure out what is God's leading and why is my idea? Today our topic is guidance and how God communicates with us. Gospel of John 10:27. Podcast 128

Learning How To Forgive Yourself.

Like most emotional/spiritual healing, it takes time to forgive yourself. If we get stuck, you can be sure the Spirit of God has a way of getting our attention so we can carry on the process of finding complete freedom. Today, we look at Peter after he failed Jesus, and we listen in on their conversation. The conversation gives us insight into how God meet us. Gospel of John 21 Pod 127

Doubt, Skepticism, and Questions

Every one of Jesus' disciples doubted he was alive following his death. Can you blame them? It's not just doubting Thomas that has trouble trusting God; we all do. Lessons from Thomas, the disciple who had many conditions that needed to be met before he could follow Jesus once more. Jesus wisdom when we doubt. Text John 20

We Don’t Find God. God Finds Us. The Wonder of Easter Morning

It took more than an empty grave to help Jesus' first followers to believe he was alive after he died on the cross. No one was convinced that the open grave was good news. Jesus had to go out looking for the disciples, and everyone needed different things to help them trust. Isn't that the same as us? No one found Jesus; he found them. The same is true today. Matthew 28

Good Friday Jesus’ Death And Mine (The Sign of Jonah)

Good Friday Jesus’ Death and Mine. 

(The Sign of Jonah)

 

Jesus was never hesitant about discussing his death. The disciples thought it would be disastrous if Jesus died, but God had another plan. The only way to get to life is through death. It's the same in our lives—Jesus models what happens in death. We have to learn how to release it before we can receive it. Matthew 12:38-42