Celtic Preacher

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

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

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

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

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 

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 

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

 

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 

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

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