Celtic Preacher

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

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

The Way Forward

Is there a point to all of this? When life is confusing, the ancient prophecy of Isaiah reminds us all is well. God has a plan and purpose in all things. The Biblical prophecy of Isaiah paints the unimaginable picture of the Peaceful Kingdom. We may not be able to see the plan, it may look hopeless to us, but throughout the course of history, God weaves the thread of this reign of peace throughout the ages to the end of time. God invites us to follow in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace. Text Isaiah 11 Podcast 73

Difficult Choices

Tension, pulled in opposite directions, the dilemma of two ways, two paths we've all felt it. Sometimes a lot can hang in the balance of a decision. Whether the decision we make is big or small, our peace of mind is unsettled until we make a choice. In Episode 71, CP looks at Pilate (the Roman official that ordered Jesus' death) to wrestle between two ways of living in the world. Text John 18

Jesus' Wisdom On Hating Someone

Yes, we know it’s wrong, but hate might be our first natural response toward someone who has hurt our loved ones or us. Having an enemy takes a lot of energy. Jesus offers us another way to respond to those who have damaged us. The text is Luke 6. Episode 70

Hiding, Shame And Jesus' Response To Us

From the beginning of time, people have struggled with shame, humiliation, and fear, which naturally enough leads to hiding.  Since the Garden of Eden, we have attempted to hide from others, ourselves and God.  Jesus' gazes upon Zacchaeus, looked past the shame and confusion and healed Zacchaeus at a depth Zacchaeus never dreamt possible. This pattern is the way God works with us. The text is Luke 19   Episode 69

The Healing That No One Else Sees

Most of the healing that God does in our lives is a private matter. Over time, when we are ready, God reveals areas of brokenness so that we can be healed and set free. In the account of the healing of 10 lepers, Jesus heals all ten from their skin disease, but only one is 'made whole.' Only one person is ready to go deeper and receive more. The text is Luke 17. Episode 66

Contentment Is A Choice; It Doesn’t Just Happen

It's the last thing you'd advise an ambitious young person.  Contentment is the key to success; the great teacher and apostle, Paul instructs young Timothy. Contentment is certainly not something most of us are born with, but it is something that can be learned and chosen, even when life is not going as planned.   The text is 1 Timothy 6:6  Episode 64

I Feel Lost, There Are No Words To Describe It

Everyone goes through times of grief and loss. A vital relationship disintegrates, a beloved pet dies, we can't leave behind the past, we don't get the job we want, we get sick, and soon grief becomes a daily companion. We feel sad and overwhelmed. Jesus gives us two parables (stories) about how works God with us when we feel lost. Episode 62. The text is Luke 15

God Works With Our Deepest Regrets

In hindsight, we can see where we went wrong. Now what? Jeremiah, the prophet is shown how God is like a potter who works with us like clay. God can take our most significant mistakes and reshape them in such a way that good can emerge. The text is Jeremiah 18 Episode 60 

Prayer, Isn’t About Talking God Into Giving Us Certain Things.

Jesus’ students ask Him for teaching on how to pray in episode 55.  Jesus begins by saying the most important thing about prayer is knowing who you are praying to. Prayer isn’t for God’s benefit. God does not need our prayers. Prayer is for our benefit. The text is Luke 11