Celtic Preacher

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.

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

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

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

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

There is a tendency in people to allow money to influence us, lead us and ultimately dominate us. There is something about money that has a power of its own. Do you know how to handle this power? Jesus teaches us we need to be shrewd when managing money and our possessions otherwise money will surely dominate us. The Parable of the Shrewd Manager Gospel of Luke 16

Jesus, on several occasions, teaches about the reality of finding ourselves lost. It's no surprise to God we find ourselves in situations and messes we cannot fix. We may feel spiritually lost, without a place to belong, and with people who don't know us. We may be in circumstances that cut us off from joy. Sometimes, we make choices that lead us in the wrong direction while at other times we have no idea how we ended up in a place we don't want to be. Jesus teaches two parables in this episode that remind us God is determined to show us we are not forgotten. Text Luke 15. The Lost Coin Parable  Pod 144

We are living in times of unprecedented change. Sometimes it feels like everything is spinning out of control. "Hold on to that image," Jeremiah the prophet would remind us, because the Divine Potter has a hand in all of this. Any kind of massive change may certainly feel out of our control but there is One shaping us and guiding us through it all.   Text Jeremiah 18.  Pod 143  

We want to matter, be noticed, be liked, admired, and appreciated don't we? Surely, there is nothing wrong with that? Jesus' wisdom is, Yes, it can be problematic if we look to others for something we already have and yet are quite unaware of it.   Text. Gospel of Luke 14 Pod 142  

Trusting God has nothing to do with being some kind of goodie-two shoes, Jesus teaches. Off course, you will make mistakes and sometimes they will be massive ones but that doesn't mean you are not a person of great faith. Trust moves ahead despite fears and mistakes and takes the next step. That's great faith. Hebrews 11. Pod 140