Celtic Preacher

Adjusting Our Expectations

Unmet expectations can cause us a lot of disappointment. Expectations are acceptable if they harmonize with God's purpose for our lives. If we are not on the same page, we end up struggling against the reality of our lives, which never goes well for us. God isn't primarily leading us into more of what we think we need. Jesus taught us that we are being positioned for inner freedom, and that's a whole different purpose in our lives. Matthew 16:21-28 Pod 188

Who Is Jesus? Is He God?

"Who do you say I Am?" is a question everyone grapples with after hearing Jesus' teachings. Can Jesus be trusted?  Like Peter, we can be ambivalent and second-guess our choices when life gets overly challenging. Following Jesus is about being led beyond our frail personalities. Matthew 16

Courage Is Not The Absence Of Fear

We all have our fears, and as long as we are on this earth, fear will be known to us. Jesus' way of navigating fear is to invite us to move toward it. The answer isn't to deny fear or run from it. Jesus didn't let fear dictate his every move. He said courage is needed, but a brave step forward might be as simple as doing the next thing that needs to be done. In other words, I may be frightened out of my wits, but I will keep doing what I need to do. The text is Matthew 14, Walking on Water Pod 186 

Going Through A Season Of Uncertainty?

The scripture teaches, "You are right. You often don't know what to do." The right path is not always clear, the correct response can elude us, and the most beneficial way to help someone doesn't always work. So take the pressure off because God is working on your behalf as you go through a season of uncertainty.  The text is Romans 8 Podcast 184

The Art Of Judging

Jesus did not teach, Do not judge; he taught, Do not judge rashly. In other words, Jesus didn't say, "Never judge," which is impossible in this world; since we make judgments daily. Jesus taught us to be cautious about decisions, wait, and not make premature judgments because there's a strong possibility we will be wrong. The text is, The Parable of the Weeds, from Matthew 13 Pod 183

I’m Doing What I Don’t Want To Do

It's a struggle; the apostle Paul would admit, as well as all the other followers of Jesus, down throughout the ages. I want to live one way, and my mind insists on taking me in another direction. Is there any hope for me? Absolutely, the apostle Paul teaches. Once you see the problem, you are halfway there. The text is Romans 7. Pod 181 

Observations On Knowing What To Do And When To Do It

We don't need to be taught personal preference. Our wants, desires, and perceived needs are hard-wired into us, so receiving guidance from God isn't always straightforward. We might tell ourselves we'd like some input from God, but when our plans fall apart, we are disappointed. What if our plans were meant to fall apart? Sometimes God bypasses our personal preferences to show us a better way. Text- Acts 11 Peter changes his mind. Pod 180

Something New Cannot Appear Until Something Old Falls Apart.

Our guard of self-protection is often lowered during times of great need and vulnerability. What we call "weakness" is often the doorway God uses to bring us deep healing. The healing and transformation can often come without warning and during the most unlikely circumstances. Text Acts 16 Paul's unexpected healing. Pod 179

There’s A Reason You Can’t Move Forward

You have plans; you think it's a great idea, yet you are blocked. You can't move forward after all your time and energy. Has it all been a waste of time? "Absolutely not," Paul, Lydia, Silas, and the early followers of Jesus would say, "it's a roadblock. God is stopping you from taking the wrong direction. So don't get downhearted." Acts 16:6-15  Pod 178

When You Have Tried Everything, And It’s Not Getting Any Better

It's not unusual for the same challenge to resurface repeatedly. You think you've learned your lesson, conquered your fear, or forgiven someone, and sooner or later, the same issue shows its face, and you feel like you are back a square one. Yes, scripture teaches this is common. Rather than use all your energy to keep resisting the problem, how about using the "problem" as another stepping stone on the journey toward healing and transformation some things won't change, but you will. 
2 Corinthians  12 Paul's thorny problem. Pod 177