Celtic Preacher

Sometimes the hardest thing isn’t what we have—it’s noticing what we think we should have. Today, we explore the subtle pull of comparison and hear Jesus’ surprising question when we wonder, “What about me?”  Text: Matthew 20.

It may be something that happened yesterday- or something we experienced when we were young. The moment may pass, the conversation may end, and life may move on—but something remains. An entanglement. A toxic chord. A tie knotted so tightly that even today, we’re still not free. Text Matthew 6:12

Sometimes life takes us into a place where we are right out of our depth. We don’t always know why; we don’t even know what lesson we have to learn. More often than not, there is no explanation, no lesson; there is only the mystery of being held. Later, understanding may come. Matthew 14: Peter falling and rising, again and again.

What if the greatest obstacle in your life isn’t what’s standing in front of you, but the assumptions you’ve accepted as truth? God often uses challenging circumstances to expose the limits of our perspective and invite us into a deeper trust in God’s reality. (aka The Kingdom of heaven) Text: John 6: The Feeding of the 5000

Most of us have learned how to achieve, perform, and meet expectations—but few of us have learned how to truly live. We carry worries, pressures, and burdens that leave us exhausted. Today, we explore Jesus’ invitation to learn a different way—one shaped by His wisdom that leads to rest for our souls. Text Matthew 11

We don’t just face storms outside of us—we face storms within us too. When fear, anxiety, grief, and conflict start to become the lens through which we see everything, our perspective gets distorted. In this episode, we reflect on Jesus’ wisdom for navigating the feeling of being out of control. Text Mark 4. The Storm

Why do we feel directionless or disconnected from what matters most? Jesus teaches, it’s not because God is silent—but because we’re tuned to competing voices that lead us away from life. This teaching is about learning to discern those voices, quiet the noise, and rediscover the path that leads to something real, whole, and life-giving. Text John 10 Pod 291

We don’t just need a clearer sense of direction—we often need new desires. This episode explores how Jesus meets us in our confusion and begins a deeper work: reshaping both how we see and what we long for, leading us into a truer understanding of what really matters. Text Luke 24

There are moments when trusting God feels almost impossible—when doubt grows louder than faith. You’re not alone. Even Jesus’ closest followers wrestled with fear, uncertainty, and questions. Trusting a God we cannot see has never been easy. But doubt doesn’t have to destroy faith. It can refine it—leading to a deeper, more resilient trust in God.  John 20 Thomas

Most of us know what it is like to face something that feels beyond us—too difficult to fix, too heavy to bear, too final to change. The Easter message is that the resurrection not only changed Jesus’ story, but also changes yours. When we assume the story is over, resurrection proves we’re wrong.   Text Matthew 28

Most of us have experienced dry places in our lives. It’s easy to lose hope and start believing that change isn’t even possible. In today’s teaching, we look at an ancient vision the prophet Ezekiel had, reminding us that God speaks directly to that feeling—that we’re on our own, forgotten, and stuck with things as they are. God meets us in those restrictive places and reminds us that something is happening, even if we are unaware of it. Ez 37 Pod

Many of us spend our lives chasing success, security, and meaning—yet something still feels missing. In this episode, we explore a surprising conversation Jesus had that speaks directly to the longing behind the words: “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.” Text John 3 Jesus’ and Nicodemus.

Have you ever meant well but found yourself over-managing, correcting, or directing too much? In the Transfiguration story, Peter does exactly that. He means well, but he hasn’t learned how to listen. This episode is about listening and guidance, and how we’re often led by our impulses instead of by God. Text Matthew 17.

Whatever gave us the idea that God’s primary business is to change our circumstances? When prayers go on and on, and nothing seems to change, God is ever present—not altering situations, but changing us. When we fail to see what God is doing, perhaps we are looking in the wrong places. Text John 2.

You know what to do. Do you turn away or step forward? Sometimes the easiest choice is to stay comfortable. This teaching explores two responses to being guided—one shaped by avoidance, the other by attention—and how choosing comfort can quietly cost us more than we expect. 1 Samuel 3

Feeling distant from God? You’re not alone. The road between us becomes cluttered with the weight of old hurts, fear, shame, and the endless demands of daily life. The ancient call of the prophets, Isaiah and John, invites us to face that inner clutter, recognize what blocks us, and open a clear, welcoming highway so we can experience God’s healing presence in our lives. Text Matthew 3:3 “Prepare the way of the Lord.” POD 282

Why do we delay what matters? When our thoughts wander, our lives follow. Today, we explore how tangled thoughts can stall our steps. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Today, we look at Jesus’ teaching on the habit we all fall into of the comparing mind, the subtle habit of lifting ourselves when we look at others who offend or frustrate us.  Text: Luke 18: The Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

Jesus said, Blessed are those who mourn and those who weep.  This wisdom invites us to linger where the world tells us to move on, to honor the ache instead of trying to outrun it. Honest grief opens the heart, softens the soul, and opens us to God’s healing touch.  Text Matthew 5.

It’s not that we lack faith and trust in God, Jesus teaches; we don’t know how to apply it effectively. In this episode, we’ll explore what blocks our trust in God and how to activate mustard-seed size (tiny) faith. Luke’s 17.

Why does contentment so often slip through our fingers? Scripture teaches that contentment is not our natural state, but something we must learn. The apostle Paul discovered that contentment is found along a quieter path, one that challenges our instincts and reshapes our perspective on the world. Text 1 Timothy 6.

“Religion does not consist in showing us where we are right, but showing us that we are wrong.” G.K. Chesterton. In a world fractured by judgment and division, Jesus calls us to something deeper. Luke 15

You can’t walk past a church without seeing a cross, and have you noticed millions of people wear a cross around their necks—but what does Jesus mean when he speaks about the cross? For Jesus, the cross isn’t just a symbol, but a way of life. Like clay on the potters’ wheel, “carrying the cross” is all about God’s healing in our lives and how God works in this world. Luke 14 and Jeremiah 18 Pod 275

Conflict at home, at work, or with friends? Division hurts-but it’s often the price of growth. Jesus taught that true integrity demands breaking free from toxic patterns and relationships that hold us back. Luke12:49-56 Pod 274

Money isn’t the real problem for most of us-greed is. Often disguised as “need” or the desire for just a little more, greed quietly drives our discontentment and keeps us chasing after more opportunities, possessions, and security. Jesus’ teaching challenges us to recognize how our subtle cravings for ‘more’ shape our lives. The Parable of the Rich Fool, Luke 12:13-21

Life is full of moments that rattle us-stress, frustration, interruptions, and people who get under our skin. Jesus teaches that our daily frustrations aren’t just obstacles-they are signals, showing us where our hearts need healing, attention, and grace. Luke 10: Mary and Martha. Pod 272

What does it cost us to avoid the uncomfortable, the inconvenient, or the painful? In this teaching, we explore the hidden toll avoidance takes on our personal growth, relationships, and spiritual life, using the parable of the Samaritan as a starting point. We reflect on Jesus’ wisdom that challenges us to confront what we would rather walk past – the wounded places in others and ourselves. Text: Luke 10.

When Nothing Is Happening (Something Is Happening You may feel uncertain, yet deeply alive. Uncomfortable, yet aware that something is quietly unfolding. This is a liminal space, a threshold between what it was and what is yet to be. Something has ended, and the new thing isn’t quite here. Waiting is purposeful with God. Text Acts 1:1-11

What if God’s guidance doesn’t always come as we expect it? This teaching explores the surprising ways God leads us, often gently, sometimes dramatically, inviting us to change our expectations and how we live. Text Acts 11

In a world filled with numerous voices, opinions, and beliefs, how can we recognize the voice of God? Today, Jesus offers a straightforward, soul-centered practice that can help you discern God’s guidance for your life. (John 10)

We’ve all heard the phrase ”just get over it,” but what if you’re unable to? When we find ourselves trapped in feelings of shame, failure, or grief, Jesus reaches out to us in many ways, helping us break free from the past. This isn’t about erasing our history but reframing it to offer a way forward, beyond our painful memories. The text is John 21, Peter, and the dreaded charcoal fire.

Today, we explore the quiet, often hidden, struggle of doubt – the common dilemma we face when trusting God feels nearly impossible. Like Thomas, who needed to see and touch before he could believe, many of us wrestle with uncertainty, unanswered prayers, and the silence of God. But doubt isn’t the end of the story. John 20

On that first Easter morning, something new began. The risen Christ came not with a fanfare, but with tenderness, meeting each heart’s need. He says he has no trouble finding you! Luke 24:1-12. .

It’s challenging when our plans fall apart, our expectations go unmet, and every door seems to be closed. Jesus’ friends faced this in the final week of His life. We face this too. How do we navigate the tension between our hopes and what God is actually doing? Palm Sunday text Luke 19:28-40 Pod 264

In a world driven by opinions and approval, Jesus shows us another way to live. If you have ever felt the tension between doing what is right and being accepted, you are not alone—the Text: Gospel of John 12—lessons from Jesus’ friend, Mary of Bethany. Pod 263

We all lose our way at times. We make poor decisions, feel uncertain about our purpose, and may lack direction, leading us down the wrong paths. Sometimes, our choices are deliberate and well thought out; other times, we might not even understand why our lives feel chaotic. Jesus reminds us that God relentlessly pursues and finds us, no matter our challenges. Luke 15

Many people believe that tragedy comes from past mistakes or that God is teaching us a lesson. But is this really the case? Jesus provides insights on how to navigate a world filled with suffering. He warns that pain can either lead us away from God or bring us closer to God. Today, we will explore the themes of trust, resilience, and faith during difficult times. Luke 13

Jesus embraced courage instead of playing it safe, inspiring us to do the same. He lived with purpose and trust, even amidst misunderstanding. He calls us to break free from fear, remain true to ourselves, and follow his remarkable example, even when it challenges us to go against the grain. Luke 13

We need all three, and yet all three can harm us. Through Jesus’ example, we learned when to say No to these natural desires. There’s a fine line between trusting God and the temptation to secure our needs on our own. Text Luke 4. Pod 259

In a world of differing opinions and voices, why is it so hard to truly listen, especially when the message challenges our beliefs? Today, we will explore our resistance to hearing things that don’t align with what we already know or believe.  Luke 9 Text: ”This is my son. Listen to Him.” Pod 258

Jesus’s teaching on agape love empowers us to transcend personal feelings of like or dislike. Agape love breaks the cycle so we can experience true freedom from those who hurt us.   Text Luke 6     Love your enemies     Pod 257

In a world that often feels chaotic and out of alignment, it’s easy to lose our way. This podcast explores how to regain your balance, using Jesus’ timeless, practical wisdom for living the right way in this world. Pod 256. Matthew 5 Sermon on the Mount

Life is full of moments when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unqualified to take the next step. Like Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends, we all experience those doubts and insecurities. Peter sets the example to push past feelings of inadequacy and let trust guide him forward. Luke 5 Pod 255

Life is full of transitions – some unexpected, some chosen, but all bringing their challenges. This teaching explores how God guides us through change, offering guidance and wisdom for beginning again. Text Nehemiah 8.

Life often leaves us wondering what God is doing in our lives, especially when it’s unclear if we are on the right track. God is always at work, quietly shaping us, even if it’s hidden from us. John 2         Pod 253

Jesus teaches us that the Holy Spirit is an essential, indwelling presence we all have. We can learn how to access this extra help when our own resources run out. Jesus’ baptism. Text Luke 3:15-17

Curiosity, adventure, seeking, Yes, it’s all a part of the drive within us. The Magi embody that spirit of adventure that we can quickly push to the side in our own lives. Restlessness isn’t always a bad thing. Text Matthew 2.   Pod 251

Today, we explore the truth that doing the right thing and saying “Yes” can still lead to struggle and inner turmoil. Luke 1. Pod 250

Resisting Closure In a world where it’s easy to close yourself off, this teaching explores the importance of staying open to new experiences, perspectives and the unexpected changes that come to our lives. When we resist change or shut down new information, we can miss the transformative moments that could shape our lives for the better. Text Luke 1:5-19 Pod 249

When you find yourself stuck in a pattern of doing the same thing over and over again, don’t despair—see it as a wake-up call from God, a chance to make lasting change. Text Luke 3:4 Pod 248.

Our minds often drift to the past or the future, reminiscing, regretting, or worrying. Jesus warns that these distractions can pull us away from what God is showing us today. Reference: Gospel of Matthew 24. Pod 247

It takes effort to speak the truth, even when we genuinely want to. We live in a world where deception, division, and lies are pervasive. Jesus encourages us to live courageously and speak the truth, which starts with being honest with ourselves before we can be honest with others. Reference: Gospel of John Chapter 18 Pod 246.

Worrying about the future is something we all struggle with. How do we live in such an insecure world? Jesus offers practical guidance for living when we feel like our safety net has been pulled away. Text Mark 13

In a world of uncertainty, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by fear, worry, and apprehension. But every day, we face a choice: we can either allow fear to paralyze us or step forward in faith, trusting that God will provide for us in ways we haven’t yet imagined. This kind of trust can help us overcome our fears and fill us with new possibilities. 1 Kings 17:8-16. Elijah’s Cake Pod 244

Grief, change, and loss are unavoidable aspects of life. God meets us in our vulnerability, not with a promise of future assistance but with a guarantee of support in the present moment. Pod 243. John 11 Lazarus

”Express your heart’s desire.” This question from Jesus reveals the motivations behind our actions. What drives our choices? Our impulses can align us with God’s purpose or lead us astray. Mark 10 Bartimaeus Pod 242

We all have hidden agendas in our interactions. Disappointment and conflict can reveal insights about ourselves, guiding us to better understand why we do what we do. Text: Mark 10      The Zebedee Brothers.  Pod 241

Recognizing unhealthy attachments is crucial, as they often lead to suffering. When something feels off, it’s a sign that change is needed. Jesus calls us to release these attachments, offering us inner freedom. This presents us with a powerful choice to make. (Mark 10). Pod 240

Heart Connections: God's Intention For Our RelationshipsRelationships can be life-giving and bring much joy, but they can also deplete us and cause us anxiety. Today, Jesus reminds us of God's intention for our relationships and the foundation on which they must be built to stay strong and beneficial to us. Text Mark 10 Pod 239

Defensiveness often reveals our deeper fears and insecurities as a mirror reflecting our inner struggles. It’s comforting to know that Jesus uses our everyday challenges to remind us of who we are in God’s eyes and guides us in choosing how to live. The text is Mark 9:38-42. Pod 238

Whatever we argue about, disagree with, and become defensive about can be a mirror to our soul, revealing our insecurities and need for validation. Jesus shows us how to step away from the need to defend ourselves. Text Mark 9 The Sons of Thunder. Pod 237

Jesus said you ’must’ learn how to deny yourself; otherwise, you have no hope of following me. What does it mean to deny oneself? What are we called to relinquish? Text Mark 8 Pod 236

How do you respond when God says, ”No?” It’s easy to give up, withdraw, and stop asking for anything. ”What’s the point? God doesn’t care.” We might think. That’s the wrong approach, Jesus teaches. There’s something to be said for persistence and tenacity. Ask and you will receive. Mark 7 Pod 235

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus did not teach, ”Don’t judge.” He taught us how to judge accurately, not superficially. He encouraged us to develop discernment, a skill that allows us to see beyond surface appearances and perceive the truth about people, events, and choices. Text Mark 7 Pod 239

We can spend too much time mulling over the predicament we find ourselves in. There comes a point where we have to choose to leave fears behind and move on regardless. It’s not the stunning victories in our lives that strengthen us. It’s how we face profound doubts and fears and move on despite them. The text is 1 Kings 19:4-8 The prophet Elijah is depressed and ready to give up. Pod 233

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

While many of us long to rewrite our past and undo poor decisions, God is not limited by our failures and weaknesses. Pod 222. Text Acts 1

Have you ever felt like obstacles and roadblocks are more than just challenges? Perhaps they are divine messages guiding us toward our true path. In this teaching, we explore the profound idea that these hurdles serve as a guide to steer us in the right direction. Text Act’s 1:8. Pod 221

Jesus’ teachings encourage us to find rest and ease instead of constantly pushing ourselves to the limit. By staying connected to him, we can allow things to come to us and trust the path ahead. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is by stopping. Text Gospel of John 14 Pod 220

Jesus taught us that listening to God’s guidance is surprisingly more accessible than we think. The capacity to hear God is innate within us, much like a sheep instinctively follows its shepherd’s voice. The text is the Gospel of John 10. Pod 219

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. Pod 216

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. It’s Palm Sunday, the last week of Jesus’ earthly life, and as far as Jesus’ closest friends are aware, life can’t get much worse. Pod 215. The text is Mark 11

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 trials with grace and courage.   Pod 214. John 12:28. Father, glorify your name

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. Text Mark 8.  Pod 211

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 Mark 1

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 20

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

”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

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