Psalm 102 In The Message, A Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jeff Ponder-Twardy
"Maybe the heart of anything we've read or heard about Jesus today or any Sunday, any quiet time of devotions or study is found in our last verse today - "He explained everything in private to his disciples." You and I are still owed some explaining." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL
"Why is the answer he gives and the condition he leaves us not sufficient for us? He just wants us to be in relationship with him." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL
"What happens when we receive encouragement from the Lord? We are REVIVED, REFORMED, REFRESHED, RENEWED." Preached at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, AL
"The few are called first, but the many join the ranks. For us today, we may be the few or soon to be among the many. For nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL
"The cat was out of the bag. We can have what Jesus had." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL.
"The physical and the spiritual were part of the story of Jesus. THE PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL are part of OUR story and OUR witness and OUR testimony." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL.
"When connected to the vine of Christ, we grow in healthy ways and produce fruit that others feed from and grow strong because of the life of Christ in and through us."
"The good shepherd calls us by name, leads us out. WE FOLLOW HIM BECAUSE WE KNOW HIS VOICE. And he willingly lays down his life for his sheep. It is in him we can trust. Alleluia." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL.
"It's one thing to tell the story. It's another thing to experience it. NEITHER THE TELLING NOR THE EXPERIENCING ARE ORDINARY. WE ARE NOT ORDINARY PEOPLE." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL.
"What brings us to believe when we haven't seen? I believe it is forgiveness. There is no chastisement on Jesus' part toward Thomas. There's forgiveness." Preached at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, AL.
"Testimonies shared doesn't mean there'll be immediate faith in the message, but, again, we're here worshipping our risen Lord today because of the testimonies, the bearing of witness of what our Lord has done and what others have witnessed."
"They cried out for him to save them from the hypocrisy of the religious and the arrogance of the Romans. THEY CRIED OUT FOR SALVATION."
"Scripture, however, conveys to us WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION." Preached at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, AL, 3-17-24
"For his grace on the cross will cleanse us all from our guilt, shame and sin. The Good Hunter laid down his life for us and for the world he so loves."
"Where is our zeal, our eager desire, enthusiastic diligence, and for whom is it focused?"
"We followed with great joy. We believed if there was a cost to pay we'd do it gladly. We were passionately driven to do what we believe God was calling us to do. WE BELIEVED WE WERE FOLLOWING OUR LORD, AND THE LORD WAS WITH US." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL.
"The message to our world, our community, our friends, family, and neighbors IS NOT GOD'S REGRET AND GOD'S JUDGMENT."
"What does the story from Mark tell us today? Trust what he says." Preached at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, AL.
"As we wait, we grow strong, strong in the One who has come to us. He has come to share with us his heart and show us his Kingdom with his words and his deeds. Alleluia."
"The miraculous didn't set everybody free. The teaching didn't astound everybody, but in combination, teaching with authority, everyone tasted of God, and the fame of Jesus was unleashed and spread."
"The fish in the sea were left for others to catch. THE MANIFESTATION OF GLORY WANTED COMPANY to teach and share his life with and to bear witness of his truth. The incarnation of God, this Jesus of Nazareth, wasn't about to travel through this world alone."
"THE LORD KNEW THEM. THE LORD KNOWS US. Alleluia. But there's more to come. Greater things than this shall you see."
"In my experience, THOUGH there is a promised empowerment in giftings, WE STILL STRUGGLE."
"Light has come into the world to reveal the message, purpose, and plan of God in Christ to save and redeem all the world. Light has come to all of us."
"He is not limited to those who, by virtue of race, class, or national affiliation, can be accepted as a saved member of the family. No, just as the shepherds were promised, HE COULD BE FOUND."
"Its rather interesting these Bible stories in December have revealed a God that's intent on communicating his plans to his beloved, and they've all had to adjust their own perspectives in who they think they are, and who God knows them to be."
"The Lord has heard your prayers. The Lord is with you. I know the plans I have to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
"For those who don't know the Lord's answer and have yet to hear a confirming word for a prayer and a heartfelt request in his throne room, THIS STORY IS FOR YOU AS WELL. There's no reason to doubt your prayer has been heard."
"Every hour, every week, every season is full of opportunity to bring hope and peace and joy by giving testimonies and manifesting the miraculous in the lives of those who need new life in the name of Jesus Christ."
"I would say today the Lord's appearing in our lives, in our circumstances, is what is eminent. For this, are we prepared?"
"Jesus transcended their here and now. No disease, affliction, demonic oppression could withstand his divine power. No religious corruption could distort his lessons of grace and mercy, power, and love for all. JESUS HAS COME."
"We are accustomed to justifying our actions or lack thereof because we say we’re believers. The reminder that loving God and loving our neighbor ruins our own justifications." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL, 10-29-23
"The emperors of our days want from us what is already theirs. Our spiritual enemy wants WHATEVER HE CAN TAKE FROM US. Whatever is embossed, engraved, inscribed on our souls signifies who we belong to. After that Saturday night, mysteriously, powerfully, lovingly, I KNEW WHO I BELONGED TO."
"We've shared in the feast of the good news of God's love for us and for all in this place. There've been those we've invited to share in such a feast. They, perhaps, didn't believe such a feast was possible or truly available to them."
"We are stewards of what the Lord God has revealed to us. We are meant to be fruitful as we steward such revelation - love the Lord and love your neighbor. We've never really done this well."
"The rest of us remain hesitant. We remain comfortable with our religion, with our station, with our position - we know for sure we're not as bad as those others. We're fine, but you're AHEAD OF US."
"Let's celebrate. The dead are alive, the lost are found. We all get paid the same wage. No one is left out. No one is forgotten. The kingdom of heaven is like this."
"Lord, how often should we let those feelings toward someone else go, send those feelings of anger and wanting reprisal go? Seven times? The number of perfection? Again, Jesus said, "Seventy-seven times," perfection multiplied, infinity."
"I believe all of this returns to the crux of this chapter, verse fourteen: "SO IT IS NOT THE WILL OF YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN THAT ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES SHOULD BE LOST." -- NO SEPARATION. Establishing, maintaining and reconciling relationships between God and God's people."
"We, as followers and believers in Jesus, are to learn that self-sacrifice in the image and name of Christ Jesus is how we're to live. The Rock of belief in Jesus as the Son of God can never be converted into a stumbling block of setting our minds on human things that impedes our life of self-sacrifice, a life of discipleship, a life of learning how to follow Jesus." Preached at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, AL.
When we come to understand and believe who Jesus is, we are confronted with an understanding and a belief in who we are." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL.
"We believe he can do such things even now. But like I said earlier, we give up too quickly because we've been taught weak and inferior theology." Preached at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, AL.
"This story tells us Jesus welcomes us to not be afraid and to come out of the boat and join him in a life of faith that defies the struggles and the storms. We will slip. We will sink. He will tell us not to doubt, but to believe." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL, USA.
"It was best for them to leave. That was best for them. Jesus counters all three observations with "They need not go away." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL.
"The Son of Man, the resurrected and glorified Jesus Christ will judge wheat from weeds. In the meantime, we have to realize the children of the kingdom and the children of the evil one are intermingled. The taring out of one will bring unnecessary harm to the other. That would be an action confined to the Son of Man and his angels only." Preached at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, AL.
"With the visitation of the Lord, the disciples were given/offered understanding. We have the potential to understand when we perceive our visitation, the Lord in our midst." Preached at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, AL.
"It's depression and discouragement over what we haven't seen manifested to our satisfaction that's heavy and burdensome. The yoke and burden of doing good for the infant and the weary, for the broken and the troubled, in the name of Jesus, with the focus on the goodness of God, this yoke and burden is easy and light." Preached at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, AL.
"When we are welcomed to do so, Jesus is welcomed. In the moment, HE may look like you, HE may sound like you, HE may dress like you. You're not the one being received or welcomed." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL
"If we go out with orders, we're under the same conditions as if we stayed home. If we stay home, we're under the same conditions as if we went out with orders. We can stay at home and lose our life for his sake. It's best to lose your life for his sake be it at home or on the road." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL.
"Those who were close to him, had seen what he could do, and had learned from him a lot already were empowered to do what he did BECAUSE HE COULDN'T REACH THEM ALL. Can he reach them all now? Remember the rabbi's observation: I SEE NO DIFFERENCE. Can Jesus reach them all today?" Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL.
"Jesus is our source for mercy. He's not our source of religious expression to keep home office content. He came to us. He came to call the likes of us, not righteous but sinners. What was the outcome of this in our story, in our lives? Mercy." Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL, June 11, 2023.
"Isn't it gracious and a sign of a loving to provide us with the freedom to stop the direction we're going, to hear the invitation to simply believe in what has been done for us that cleanses soul and spirit absolutely, to enter into a company of foFatherllow believers as if it were a new family for us, and receive the gift of God's own spirit to make everything new? Isn't it remarkable? Isn't it wonderful? Isn't it just like God?" Preached at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL, June 4, 2023.
"What does this mean? The fulfillment of what God promised - in Joel and Jesus - the outpouring of God's Spirit on sons and daughters, young and old, men and women - to prophesy, to perceive visions and dreams, to operate in gifts and abilities, to share the good news of God in Christ to the glory of God. We have been made strong!" Jeff preached this at St Mark UMC in Anniston, AL, May 28, 2023.
Jesus entered Jerusalem humbly riding a donkey but entered as a king of the people to make a ruckus so the religious and political knew he was there. Jeff preached this sermon on Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023, at St Mark United Methodist Church in Anniston, Alabama, USA.
This is the first episode this year, and the first episode that's actually a sermon delivered in a worship service. Feel free to comment, obviously. In weeks to come, I'll try to diversify what is posted. Again, as always, God bless.
Our spiritual journeys could be illustrated through images of nature or our own development from infancy or childhood or adulthood. My friend, Lynn Ware, illustrates her spiritual journey as seasons in a year. She shared with me her significant spiritual experiences in her life coupled with how she has encountered God in her most difficult times, as well. I hope you find this interview encouraging and a blessing. Let us know you're listening and what you think and feel about what you hear. God bless you.
Jeff Ponder-Twardy
Karen Marks is the first to tell you she is a social worker. She lives and abides as a child of God, but she gives her life to others as a gifted social worker. We are so pleased to share this conversation and a bit of Karen's journey as a Christian and as a lover of the hurting. If you enjoy or receive a blessing from this episode be sure to let us know.
We wish you a blessed, healthy and peaceful new year.
Jeff Ponder-Twardy
One particular Thanksgiving Eve returns to my memory every year. I was intently seeking the Lord's direction for a career. God gave me more than that, and it was on Thanksgiving Eve I had to share what the Lord offered me. Its my Thanksgiving memory woven into my spiritual journey. You're invited to listen and comment. I wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
God bless,
Jeff Ponder-Twardy
There was a time when you might have a conversation with someone in line that might lead to a friendship. Now days, the proximity between each other limits such opportunities. In this episode, I share a conversation I had with someone who's become a friend after we met in line. Mark Finley is a priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. His spiritual journey is inspiring and I hope you enjoy it. Mark's church is located in Fairfield, Alabama (west Birmingham), Church of the Reconciler CEC ( https://reconcilercec.org/ ). Let us know you're out there with a comment or a Like on Facebook.
God bless,
Jeff Ponder-Twardy
As a six year old, she placed her hands on the pastor's desk as she sat in his chair in his absence and thought to herself, "I can be the preacher!" Carol Gullatt, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, serves as a pastor with an artist's soul and a passionate seeker of God. She shared in our conversation about her spiritual journey, about her love for family, the Spirit of God and a long felt desire to fulfill a calling of service and grace. Her story is worth hearing. Be sure to let us know you're listening and where you found us by leaving a Like or a comment. Feel free to subscribe to not miss an episode. Follow me on Facebook, and look for my blog, Psalm 102 In The Message, on Word Press.
God Bless.
Jeff Ponder-Twardy
A spiritual journey will take us to many points on a map to encounter many different people. I conversed with David Thompson, a retired pastor and blessed child of God, in this episode. His giftedness in many areas led him to serve God's world through his outgoing personality all along the way. I hope you enjoy his story. This is my first interview in this format. I appreciate your mercy as you leave your comments on whatever platform you hear this. Let me know you're out there. This is David's You Tube page, Never Met a Preacher Like You, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFV5LUFZ1LxzP79XBgHGHJQ/featured . If you'd like to send me an email, pondertwar@yahoo.com. Look for me on Facebook. Take a look at my blog, Psalm 102 In The Message, https://psalm102inthemessage.home.blog/ Look forward to hearing from you. God bless, Jeff Ponder-Twardy
It's a cumbersome title, but it tells a story. Psalm 102 is a hard psalm overall, but verses 18-22 awakened something in me. I'm telling this story to get the spiritual-journey-ball rolling. I recorded it in a parking garage in Birmingham, AL, but its where inspiration struck me, and it didn't hurt at all. My two blogs: Psalm 102 In The Message, https://psalm102inthemessage.home.blog/ and Stronger Than Death, https://pondertwar.wordpress.com/ Email: pondertwar@yahoo.com
See you on the journey.
Jeff Ponder-Twardy
Spiritual journeys are not without stumbles and bumbles, laughs and company. This blog will be a place to hear about my journey with, beside, ahead, behind and sometimes without God. You're invited to join me in listening, commenting and sharing what you like.