Celtic Preacher

In the midst of change and transition, if grief is added to the mix, we can feel lost and directionless. Yet, it is during these challenging times we often encounter profound moments of divine intervention guiding us toward a new understanding of ourselves and our reality.     Text Luke 24 Emmaus.  Pod 218

On that first Easter morning, Jesus' friends struggled to recognize him. This alive resurrected one was the same, and yet he wasn’t. We, too, have a steep learning curve in recognizing the presence of God in our everyday lives.  Pod216

Are you going through a time of change, stress, and confusion? Today, we explore the idea that our interpretations of events as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ do not reflect the complete picture. The text is Mark 11. It’s Palm Sunday, the last week of Jesus’ earthly life, and as far as Jesus’ closest friends' experience, life can’t get much worse. Pod 215

Today, we delve deeply into the profound prayer life of Jesus. Unlike praying to avoid conflict or suffering, Jesus exemplified strength, truth, and courage in facing all challenges. With the words, 'Father, glorify your name,' Jesus showed us how to infuse every event, trial, and circumstance with the presence of God. Explore the transformative power of prayer and learn how to navigate life's tri...

Why did Jesus die, and how did this bring me healing thousands of years later? Jesus parallels His sacrifice on the cross with the story of the fiery serpents that plagued the ancient people in the wilderness. Texts: Numbers 21 and John 3. Pod 213.   

Today, we explore the intricate dynamics of anger – it's not the problem itself but rather what we choose to do with it. In this episode, we unravel the transformative potential hidden within anger, recognizing it as a potent communicator of crucial messages we might need to heed.  Text John 2. Pod 212

Have you ever felt like your personality was holding you back, keeping you stuck in unhelpful patterns? In this episode, we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus, who reminds us that we are more than the sum of our personality traits. Discover how shedding the limitations of your personality can open doors to growth, break the cycle of repetitive behaviors, and lead to a more fulfilling life....

It is common for people to face times of testing in life. These experiences can be challenging and may push us to our limits. It is important to remember that we should not ignore or underestimate them, as they may be a 'desert experience' that we must go through. The key is developing the skills to stand firm and face opposition. Jesus' first lesson teaches us how to do just that. Pod 210 Text Ma...

There is no shame in not knowing what to do. It takes humility to acknowledge our limitations. Jesus teaches that we can learn to listen to God's guidance. Listening to the right voice takes a little practice, like all new skills. Text Mark 9   Pod 209

When you are tired, and your patience is thin, Jesus has some practical advice. Stop trying to meet every need. You might not be able to leave physically, but neither are you obligated to meet every need of those around you. Jesus didn't.   The text is Mark 1. 

The Scripture teaches that it's not of primary importance who is right or wrong in any conflict or disagreement. In other words, you could be correct in any dispute, but if that's all that matters to you, you are missing out on the  freedom of "the need to be right."     1 Corinthians 8    Pod 207     

Trailer for Celtic Preacher

If you want to run away, ask yourself why. What motives you to want to run away? Sometimes, the things we try to avoid are areas where we can experience newfound freedom. Avoidance has a way of catching up on us. Lessons from Jonah Pod 206  

If you are usually a good sleeper and something changes, you are probably worried or stressed about something. Waking up at night can be reframed as a potential opportunity to receive God's guidance. Today, we will hear about God's creative and unusual ways to get our attention.  1 Samuel 13 Pod 205  

Not feeling loved or feeling like we don’t deserve love is a wound in need of healing. "You are my beloved," God says. The challenge is receiving this love when we don't feel loved or deserving of love. This is the big learning curve. Text Mark 1. Pod 204 

It’s common to go through seasons when we feel out of control. Most of us try to resist feeling vulnerable at all costs. Jesus addresses this dilemma in today’s teaching. Text Matthew 11 Cousin John’s Dark Night of the Soul. Pod 203

Finding Your Own North Star When you are entirely convinced of your life's direction, you don't need the affirmation, understanding, nor approval of others. Matthew 1. Pod 202 Lesson from the Christmas story, Joseph.

We all find ways of coping with the challenges and stresses of life. Jesus teaches that not all of the ways we cope with anxiety, fear, and grief are helpful. He teaches we must learn how to "guard our hearts." Luke 21.   Pod 201    

A life playing it safe isn't a life, Jesus taught. There is too much to lose by simply not trying. We may be hesitant because we might fail or be misunderstood, and our ideas may not work, but that's no excuse for not moving ahead. After all, isn't that what trust is all about? The Parable of the Talents. Matthew 25. Podcast 200

When you think about it, life is one extensive, multilayered healing opportunity. Recognizing our need for help and healing is what it means to be human. The text is Luke 17.    The Ten Lepers Pod 199

Is it possible to live without regret? In today's parable, Jesus reminds us that avoiding, ignoring, or procrastinating things we need to say or do ultimately diminishes us and holds us back. The text is Matthew 21—the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. Pod198

Mourning is the way to go, Jesus teaches. Don't deny it, shy away from it, stuff it, medicate it, grieve! Grief has many faces: unwelcome changes, a relationship ends, a loved one dies, we can lose a sense of purpose or sense we have no place in this world. The suffering of others around the world can take its toll. Today, Jesus teaches about the necessity of learning how to grieve well. Matthew 5...

Far too many of us carry heavy baggage from years of mistakes, guilt, failure, hurt, pain, and bad choices. Jesus addresses this in our teaching today.  It's time to learn how to unpack all the worthless weight we have been packing and learn how to live free. Text John 8 Pod 196

Inner tension isn’t necessarily a sign your doing something wrong. Jesus teaches that living in this world will cause us tension. It will feel like a pull to go in the very direction you try to avoid. This hidden, unseen inner battle is a part of living in this world. It's not something we can escape from, and it shows us our loyalty is to something more than what we can see here on this earth. Po...

Don't make excuses for yourselves, Jesus taught. Don't be too easy on yourself. If you make up stories about why you neglect the most essential things in your life, treat it as a wake-up call, and don't let yourself off the hook. Why settle for less? The Parable of the Banquet  Luke 14 and Matthew 22. Pod194