Celtic Preacher

The Right Defense: Navigating Life With Divine Protection

Ever heard the phrase, "Don't be so defensive? While that advice often has its place, Scripture offers a different perspective on defense. Defending yourself is necessary, but we need wisdom on what we protect ourselves against.   Ephesians 6. The Armor of God. Pod 232

Anger's Wisdom And Folly

Scripture teaches us to channel anger constructively and avoid its destructive pitfalls. The spiritual work is discerning the motivation behind this intense emotion. Once we see why we are angry, we know how to proceed. The text is Ephesians 4. Pod 231

That's Not How I Remember It! (Rewriting our history)

Why do we keep making the same mistakes over and over again? Are we picking the wrong partners or jobs, or do we blame someone else for our unhappiness? Why does history repeat itself? Much of the time, it's because we are not learning from our past mistakes. Learning from past mistakes is challenging because it takes brutal honesty. Exodus 16 Pod 230

Stuck In A Loop? Times of Testing.

Are you facing the same challenge over and over? It might feel like you're stuck in a loop, but could there be a more profound lesson behind it? In this episode, we explore how God uses repeated patterns to give us insight into ourselves and our own spiritual tests. John 6 Philip's test Pod 229

Is it My Will Or God's Guidance?

Distinguishing my will from God's guidance and leading is an ongoing task. It's not easy to pause and reassess amidst life's reactions, but it is necessary if we desire to access the wisdom God promised us. It takes practice. Text Mark 6. Pod 228

Knowing Your Joy-Stealers (Common Challenges to Spiritual Growth)

Why do some of us give up quickly while others persevere and gain ground? Today, Jesus addresses some of the challenges of spiritual/emotional growth. Text Matthew 13 Parable of the Sower Pod 227

Hidden Doorways in Plain View - Failure

Setbacks, weaknesses, and failures do not have to define us. Instead, vulnerabilities and flaws can be the doorway to the change we long for.
Scripture Text 2 Corinthians 12.     Pod 226

Nowhere To Hide: Jesus’ Remedy For Shame

Feeling like you don't belong? Jesus' miracles always pointed to something more than physical restoration. Today, Jesus targets the deep-seated issue of shame we all struggle with. There is a way out of the shame spiral through vulnerability and honesty.  The text is Mark 5     Pod 225 

Don't Tell Me Not To Worry!

Instead of succumbing to panic and believing we must solve all our problems on our own, Jesus reminds us that over-dependence on ourselves keeps us in places of high stress and anxiety. True trust transcends self-reliance. Mark 4.   Pod 224

Divine Timing-How Waiting On God Shapes Our Responses

Today, we explore Jesus' counterintuitive teaching that requires us to learn how to wait on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit before we act. This transformative practice of waiting shows us that the most potent action can be inaction. It's during these inactive times we are inwardly changed, and that, in turn, affects how we respond to life's challenges.    Acts 2 Pentecost Pod 223