AgilEmpath

Random Acts of Kindness are a powerful tool for increasing happiness and creating a positive atmosphere year-round. By incorporating simple, thoughtful gestures into your daily life, you not only bring joy to others but also cultivate a sense of fulfillment within yourself. In a world where kindness can sometimes be in short supply, be the beacon that lights up someone else's day. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

The historical context of 1 Corinthians gives chapter 13 deep meaning. We chat about this and read chapter 13.Faith works by love!1 Corinthians 13King James Version13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Adventure challenges offer a unique and transformative pathway to increased happiness. By setting goals, overcoming fears, pushing boundaries, enjoying the journey, and building connections, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. So, dare to take that leap, climb that peak, or trek that challenging trail – the rewards extend far beyond the adventure itself, shaping a happier and more fulfilling life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Enhancing Happiness through Volunteerism: Aligning Passion with PurposeIn the pursuit of happiness, one often discovers that the path to personal fulfillment is intricately connected to serving others. Volunteerism provides a unique avenue for individuals to channel their skills and passions towards meaningful contributions to society. This article explores the profound impact of volunteerism on happiness and encourages finding opportunities that align with personal interests, such as volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary or animal rescue organization. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

A few years ago (mid 1980’s), Met Life hired Dr. Martin Seligman to help them improve their hiring processes. They were spending a lot of money on training agents that weren’t sticking around. At the time, over half of their agents quit within the first year!Dr. Seligman was a psychologist who studied optimism and positive psychology. He created an optimism screening test and followed a group of Met Life new hires (appx 15,000 agents) over one year. The result? The agents with an optimistic outlook drastically outsold the pessimists by as much as 21% in the first year and 57% in the second year!And to make these results even more drastic, here’s this. The top 10% of the optimists (with the highest optimism scores) sold 88% more insurance than those ranked in the most pessimistic 10%. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Embrace Growth: The Transformative Power of Continuous Learning and Personal DevelopmentIn the journey of life, the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth is a beacon that illuminates the path to self-discovery and fulfillment. Continuous learning, coupled with personal development, not only expands your horizons but also contributes significantly to enhancing self-esteem and fostering a profound sense of accomplishment. This article delves into the transformative power of embracing continuous learning, exploring new interests, acquiring new skills, and how this journey amplifies happiness. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Seligman (2011) hypothesized that PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) are the elements of well-being. We tie in PERMA to Goal Setting and Happiness. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Nurturing Social Connections: Cultivating Support, Love, and BelongingIn the intricate tapestry of our lives, social connections weave a vital thread, creating a fabric of support, love, and a profound sense of belonging. Today we explore the importance of maintaining and nurturing relationships with friends and family, delving into the myriad ways strong social connections contribute to our well-being. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Today we're going to talk about a really powerful stress management tool that releases neurochemicals in our brain.And you probably haven't thought of this, but there has been research on gratitude.When we feel stressed and we stop, then we practice gratitudeour brain lights up.There's the technology of an fMRI that can actually scan the brain and look at our emotions and our emotional states and the reactions that we have.And so studies have shownthat just taking a few moments to step away from that stressor and to say, okay, I'm going to think on I'm going to speak.I'm going to write what I'm grateful for and then you go back to that task that the performanceis just better and that people self-report that they're able to get through the stressful task better once they practice gratitude.Also, researchers look at the brain and they say, oh, okay, so neurons that fire together wire together.What that means is the next time you're in a stressful circumstance,and you practice gratitude your brain goes, 'oh I remember this it feels good,' and there you get those chemicals and then you're feeling good and the brain is like; ' oh this is a habit forming,' and that's when the neurons that are firing begin to wire because you're practicing it over and over and over again and it gets to the point there's a stressor,you've trained yourself just like going to the gym when we train and we do reps.You've trained yourself and so naturally you step away.You think, what am I grateful for?Just one minute.You write it down.You say it.And then you go back to the task and it's easier.Then you eventually will find your flow.This is a process.It can take up to 60 days according to cognitive neuroscientists for this to really become a habit that is well-formed in the brain.So 60 days in a row of practicing gratitude.So what are you grateful for today?And just think about three things every day that you didn't think of the previous day.Write them down.Repeat them.Talk about them.Get people around you also thinking, oh what is there to be grateful for?What's something positive that's happening?And then you'll realize it's not in the big things and you'll start to break things down, because the rule is you cannot usethe things that you listed yesterday or even a week ago.So you really have to break it down and then the small things you just find just appreciation and noticing the small things and taking life one step at a time will really help with our stress reduction and increase our happiness.So gratitude is a gateway to happiness. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Measuring the Impact of the Employee Reward ProgramMeasuring the impact of the employee reward program is important to determine its effectiveness. This can be done through employee surveys, performance evaluations, and tracking productivity and absenteeism rates. It is important to regularly evaluate the program and make adjustments as needed to ensure that it is achieving the desired results.From my book, REWARDS & RECOGNITION BOOSTING EMPLOYEE MORALE IN THE WORKPLACEGroup Subscription Offer for teams of 2+ to benefit from comprehensive, consistent, and cohesive guidance with best practices for Human Resources ProfessionalsContact Alexia Georghiou today to schedule your complimentary consultation for coaching and training initiatives!#humanresources #incentives #productivity #engagement #employeeretention This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Implementing the Employee Reward ProgramImplementing the employee reward program involves communicating the program to all employees and training managers on how to distribute rewards. You should also establish a system for tracking and monitoring the program to ensure that it is working effectively. It is important to make sure that rewards are distributed fairly and that all employees have an equal chance to earn rewards.From my book, REWARDS & RECOGNITION BOOSTING EMPLOYEE MORALE IN THE WORKPLACEGroup Subscription Offer for teams of 2+ to benefit from comprehensive, consistent, and cohesive guidance with best practices for Human Resources ProfessionalsContact Alexia Georghiou today to schedule your complimentary consultation for coaching and training initiatives!#humanresources #incentives #productivity #engagement #employeeretention This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Creating an Effective Employee Reward ProgramTo create an effective employee reward program, you need to establish clear goals and guidelines. These guidelines should be communicated to all employees so that they understand what they need to do to be eligible for rewards. You should also establish a budget for rewards and decide how often rewards will be given out. It is important to make sure that the rewards are meaningful and that they are tied to specific achievements or goals.From my book, REWARDS & RECOGNITION BOOSTING EMPLOYEE MORALE IN THE WORKPLACEGroup Subscription Offer for teams of 2+ to benefit from comprehensive, consistent, and cohesive guidance with best practices for Human Resources ProfessionalsContact Alexia Georghiou today to schedule your complimentary consultation for coaching and training initiatives!#humanresources #incentives #productivity #engagement #employeeretention This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Different Types of RewardsThere are different types of rewards that you can offer employees to improve their morale. These rewards can be financial or non-financial. Some of the financial rewards include bonuses, commissions, and pay raises. Non-financial rewards can include extra time off, flexible work arrangements, and recognition for a job well done. It is important to offer a mix of both financial and non-financial rewards to ensure that employees feel valued and appreciated.From my book, REWARDS & RECOGNITION BOOSTING EMPLOYEE MORALE IN THE WORKPLACEGroup Subscription Offer for teams of 2+ to benefit from comprehensive, consistent, and cohesive guidance with best practices for Human Resources ProfessionalsContact Alexia Georghiou today to schedule your complimentary consultation for coaching and training initiatives!#humanresources #incentives #productivity #engagement #employeeretention This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Understanding Employee MoraleThe first step in improving employee morale through rewards is understanding what employee morale is and how it affects the workplace. Employee morale refers to the overall outlook, attitude, satisfaction, and confidence of employees in their job and work environment. Low morale can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and high turnover rates. On the other hand, high morale leads to increased job satisfaction, better employee engagement, and improved retention rates.From my book, REWARDS & RECOGNITION BOOSTING EMPLOYEE MORALE IN THE WORKPLACEGroup Subscription Offer for teams of 2+ to benefit from comprehensive, consistent, and cohesive guidance with best practices for Human Resources ProfessionalsContact Alexia Georghiou today to schedule your complimentary consultation for coaching and training initiatives!#humanresources #incentives #productivity #engagement #employeeretention This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Boosting employee morale through effective reward programs not only benefits the organization but also has a significant positive impact on the well-being of employees. Studies have shown that happier employees are more productive, have better work relationships, and experience less stress and burnout. By investing in employee morale, organizations can create a culture of happiness and positivity, which can ultimately lead to improved performance and increased profitability.Furthermore, happy employees are more likely to stay with their organization, reducing turnover rates and the costs associated with hiring and training new employees. They are also more likely to become brand ambassadors for the organization, promoting it positively to their friends, family, and social networks.Boosting employee morale through effective reward programs is not only good for the bottom line, but it is also a socially responsible approach that promotes employee well- being and happiness. By investing in our employees, we are investing in the future of our organization and our society as a whole.From my book, REWARDS & RECOGNITION BOOSTING EMPLOYEE MORALE IN THE WORKPLACEGroup Subscription Offer for teams of 2+ to benefit from comprehensive, consistent, and cohesive guidance with best practices for Human Resources ProfessionalsContact Alexia Georghiou today to schedule your complimentary consultation for coaching and training initiatives!#humanresources #incentives #productivity #engagement #employeeretention This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

* Identify your values and purpose: To lead with impact, it's important to have a clear understanding of your values and purpose. Ask yourself: What motivates and inspires me? What are my core values? What kind of impact do I want to have on the world? Once you have a clear sense of your values and purpose, you can start aligning your actions and decisions with these guiding principles.* Identify areas for impact: Next, identify areas where you can make a positive impact. This could be in your personal life, your community, your workplace, or on a larger scale. Consider the skills, resources, and networks you have at your disposal and think about how you can use them to create change. Look for opportunities to collaborate with others who share your vision and can help amplify your impact.* Take action: Finally, take action to create the change you want to see. This could involve volunteering, starting a project or initiative, advocating for a cause, or taking on a leadership role in your community or workplace. Be persistent and resilient in your efforts, and be open to learning and adapting as you go. Remember, leading with impact is a journey, and the most important thing is to keep taking steps forward towards your goals.Pocket CastTune InI ❤️ HeartPod chaserSchedule a complimentary consultation for life coaching, consulting work, training & development, keynote speaking inquiries, and organizational culture transformation planning HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

A. Importance of Sustaining Impactful Leadership: Sustaining impactful leadership is critical to ensuring long-term success for organizations. Leaders who can sustain impact over time can build a culture of continuous improvement, adapt to changing circumstances, and create a lasting legacy of positive change within their organizations. It is important for leaders to understand the strategies and practices that can help them sustain impactful leadership over the long term.B. Strategies for Sustaining Impact: There are several strategies that leaders can use to sustain impact over time. These include developing a growth mindset, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, engaging in ongoing learning and development, and building strong relationships with stakeholders. Leaders should also focus on building their resilience and emotional intelligence, and prioritize self-care to maintain their energy and motivation.C. Self-Reflection and Continuous Improvement: Self-reflection is a critical component of sustaining impactful leadership. Leaders should regularly reflect on their actions, decisions, and impact, and seek feedback from others to identify areas for improvement. Leaders should also engage in ongoing learning and development to stay current with industry trends and best practices. By prioritizing self-reflection and continuous improvement, leaders can sustain their impact over the long term and create lasting positive change within their organizations.Pocket CastTune InI ❤️ HeartPod chaserSchedule a complimentary consultation for life coaching, consulting work, training & development, keynote speaking inquiries, and organizational culture transformation planning HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

A. Defining High-Performance Teams and their Importance in Creating Impact: High-performance teams are groups of individuals who work together towards a common goal, leveraging their collective skills, knowledge, and expertise to achieve outstanding results. They are essential in creating impact because they can deliver exceptional outcomes and drive innovation. Leaders who foster high-performance teams can create a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence, leading to increased organizational success.B. Building and Leading High-Performance Teams: Building and leading high-performance teams requires a clear vision, effective communication, and strong leadership skills. Leaders must ensure that team members have the right skills, knowledge, and resources to achieve their goals. They should also encourage diversity of thought, foster a culture of trust and respect, and provide opportunities for professional development. By providing a supportive environment and clear direction, leaders can help their teams achieve outstanding results.C. Creating a Culture of Accountability: Creating a culture of accountability is critical in building and leading high-performance teams. Leaders should set clear expectations, establish goals and objectives, and provide regular feedback to their team members. They should also hold team members accountable for their performance, providing support and resources to help them achieve their goals. By fostering a culture of accountability, leaders can help their teams take ownership of their work and achieve outstanding results.Pocket CastTune InI ❤️ HeartPod chaserSchedule a complimentary consultation for life coaching, consulting work, training & development, keynote speaking inquiries, and organizational culture transformation planning HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

A. Defining Emotional Intelligence and its Importance in Leadership: Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It is essential in leadership because it can impact how leaders relate to others and create change. Leaders with high EI are better able to build relationships, communicate effectively, and inspire others. They are also better equipped to manage conflict, navigate change, and make decisions that consider the needs and emotions of stakeholders.B. Developing Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Developing emotional intelligence requires self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation. Leaders can develop EI by engaging in activities that promote self-reflection, such as journaling and mindfulness practices. They can also seek feedback from others and engage in coaching and training programs. By developing EI, leaders can improve their ability to manage their own emotions and respond appropriately to the emotions of others.C. Applying Emotional Intelligence to Create Impact: Leaders who apply emotional intelligence can create a positive impact by building relationships, communicating effectively, and inspiring others. They can also manage conflict, navigate change, and make decisions that consider the needs and emotions of stakeholders. By leveraging emotional intelligence, leaders can create a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation, leading to increased organizational success and positive impact.Pocket CastTune InI ❤️ HeartPod chaserSchedule a complimentary consultation for life coaching, consulting work, training & development, keynote speaking inquiries, and organizational culture transformation planning HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

A. Understanding the Need for Change and its Impact on Leadership: Change is a constant in today's fast-paced business environment, and leaders must be able to adapt to change and create a culture of change readiness within their organizations. Leaders who can effectively manage change can create impact by driving innovation and improving organizational performance. Understanding the need for change and its impact on leadership is crucial for leaders to successfully navigate the changing landscape of their industries.B. Leading Change through Effective Communication and Engagement: Leading change requires effective communication and engagement with stakeholders. Leaders should communicate the reasons for change and its expected outcomes, and engage stakeholders in the change process to ensure their buy-in and commitment. Leaders should also provide resources and support to help employees adapt to the change, and celebrate successes along the way. By leading change through effective communication and engagement, leaders can create impact by successfully implementing changes that drive innovation and improve organizational performance.C. Overcoming Resistance to Change: Resistance to change is a common challenge that leaders must overcome to successfully implement change. Leaders can overcome resistance to change by involving stakeholders in the change process, communicating the benefits of change, and addressing any concerns or objections that arise. Leaders should also provide training and support to help employees adapt to the change, and celebrate successes along the way. By overcoming resistance to change, leaders can create impact by successfully implementing changes that drive innovation and improve organizational performance.Pocket CastTune InI ❤️ HeartPod chaserSchedule a complimentary consultation for life coaching, consulting work, training & development, keynote speaking inquiries, and organizational culture transformation planning HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

A. Defining Vision and its Importance in Leadership: Vision is a clear and compelling picture of the future that inspires and guides action. It provides a sense of direction, purpose, and meaning, and is essential for effective leadership. Leaders who create and communicate a clear and compelling vision can inspire others and create a shared sense of purpose, leading to increased motivation, engagement, and organizational success.B. Developing a Vision for the Organization: Developing a vision for the organization requires a deep understanding of the organization's values, mission, and strategic objectives. Leaders need to engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, to understand their needs and aspirations. A clear and compelling vision should be ambitious, inspiring, and achievable. It should be aligned with the organization's purpose and values, and should guide decision-making and action.C. Communicating the Vision to Stakeholders: Communicating the vision to stakeholders is essential for creating a positive impact. Leaders need to communicate the vision clearly, consistently, and convincingly to inspire others and create a shared sense of purpose. Communication should be tailored to different stakeholders and should address their concerns and aspirations. Leaders should use various channels, including meetings, presentations, and social media, to communicate the vision and engage stakeholders in the visioning process.Effective visioning and communication require leadership skills such as empathy, listening, and storytelling. By developing these skills, leaders can create and communicate a clear and compelling vision that inspires and guides action, leading to increased organizational success and positive impact.Pocket CastTune InI ❤️ HeartPod chaserSchedule a complimentary consultation for life coaching, consulting work, training & development, keynote speaking inquiries, and organizational culture transformation planning HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

A. Importance of Leading with Purpose: Leading with purpose is essential for creating a positive impact because it enables leaders to align their actions with a higher vision or mission. Purpose-driven leaders inspire others and create a sense of direction and meaning. Leaders who lead with purpose can create a positive impact by aligning their actions with the values and mission of their organization.B. Understanding Organizational Purpose and its Impact on Leadership: Organizational purpose is the reason for an organization's existence, beyond making a profit. It defines the organization's values, vision, and mission, and guides its decision-making. Understanding organizational purpose is essential for effective leadership because it enables leaders to align their actions with the values and mission of the organization. Purpose-driven leaders can inspire others and create a shared sense of purpose, leading to increased motivation, engagement, and organizational success.C. Aligning Personal Purpose with Organizational Purpose: Aligning personal purpose with organizational purpose is crucial for creating a positive impact. Leaders who understand their personal values, vision, and mission can align their actions with the purpose of their organization, leading to greater effectiveness and impact. When leaders are aligned with the purpose of their organization, they can create a sense of direction, meaning, and shared purpose among their team members. Personal purpose and organizational purpose are interrelated, and aligning them is essential for creating a positive impact.Pocket CastTune InI ❤️ HeartPod chaserSchedule a complimentary consultation for life coaching, consulting work, training & development, keynote speaking inquiries, and organizational culture transformation planning HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Follow along as I read Genesis 1-10 in the King James Version. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Personal Leadership and Impact A. Defining Personal Leadership: Personal leadership refers to the ability of an individual to lead oneself effectively. It involves developing self-awareness, identifying one's strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals to achieve personal and professional growth. Personal leadership is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership because leaders who can lead themselves effectively can inspire and lead others to achieve shared goals.B. Importance of Personal Leadership in Creating Impact: Personal leadership is essential for creating a positive impact because it enables leaders to align their values and behaviors. When leaders are clear about their personal values and vision, they can lead with authenticity and inspire others to do the same. Personal leadership is essential for creating a positive impact because it allows leaders to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and focus on areas where they can make the most significant contribution.C. Characteristics of Effective Personal Leadership: Effective personal leadership is characterized by self-awareness, emotional intelligence, resilience, and a growth mindset. Self-awareness is the ability to understand one's strengths and weaknesses, values, and personal vision. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others effectively. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges and maintain a positive outlook. A growth mindset is the belief that personal growth is possible, and mistakes are opportunities for learning and development. Leaders who possess these characteristics can lead themselves effectively, inspire others, and create a positive impact in their organizations and communities.By understanding the importance of personal leadership and the characteristics of effective personal leadership, leaders can cultivate the skills and mindset necessary to create a positive impact. Personal leadership is the foundation of effective leadership, and by developing this aspect of leadership, leaders can create a lasting impact on their organizations and society.Pocket CastTune InI ❤️ HeartPod chaserSchedule a complimentary consultation for life coaching, consulting work, training & development, keynote speaking inquiries, and organizational culture transformation planning HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Understanding Impact A. Defining Impact: Impact refers to the effect or influence of something or someone. In the context of leadership, impact refers to the lasting effect created by a leader's actions, decisions, and behavior. Leaders who create a positive impact can inspire others and achieve organizational goals. Understanding the concept of impact is crucial for effective leadership because it enables leaders to make informed decisions and take actions that create a positive and lasting effect.B. Importance of Understanding Impact in Leadership: Understanding the impact of leadership is crucial because it enables leaders to make informed decisions and take actions that create a positive and lasting effect. Leaders who understand the impact of their actions can create change that aligns with their values and organizational purpose. Effective leadership requires a deep understanding of the impact that leaders have on their followers, their organization, and society as a whole.C. Types of Impact and Their Effects on Leadership: There are different types of impact that leaders can create, such as social, environmental, and economic impact. Social impact refers to the positive changes in people's lives resulting from a leader's actions or decisions. Environmental impact refers to the effects of a leader's actions on the natural environment. Economic impact refers to the financial effects of a leader's decisions on the organization and the economy. Understanding the different types of impact can help leaders make decisions that align with their values and create a positive impact on society. Leaders who create a positive impact can inspire others and create a sense of purpose and direction. By understanding the different types of impact, leaders can create change that aligns with their values and organizational purpose.Also available on the following platforms: Pocket CastTune InI ❤️ HeartPod chaser Add our RSS feed to your preferred platform: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/59728/s/53042.rssSchedule a complimentary consultation for life coaching, consulting work, training & development, keynote speaking inquiries, and organizational culture transformation planning HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

There is a key to God’s outpouring of His Love. This is the contextual meaning of Luke 6:38. Revival depends on repentance! Luke 6New Living TranslationA Discussion about the Sabbath6 One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples broke off heads of grain, rubbed off the husks in their hands, and ate the grain. 2 But some Pharisees said, “Why are you breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?”3 Jesus replied, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He went into the house of God and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests can eat. He also gave some to his companions.” 5 And Jesus added, “The Son of Man[a] is Lord, even over the Sabbath.”Jesus Heals on the Sabbath6 On another Sabbath day, a man with a deformed right hand was in the synagogue while Jesus was teaching. 7 The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.8 But Jesus knew their thoughts. He said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” So the man came forward. 9 Then Jesus said to his critics, “I have a question for you. Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?”10 He looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 11 At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him.Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles12 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. 13 At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:14 Simon (whom he named Peter),Andrew (Peter’s brother),James,John,Philip,Bartholomew,15 Matthew,Thomas,James (son of Alphaeus),Simon (who was called the zealot),16 Judas (son of James),Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).Crowds Follow Jesus17 When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil[b] spirits were healed. 19 Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone.The Beatitudes20 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,“God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.21 God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied.God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.22 What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. 23 When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.Sorrows Foretold24 “What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now.25 What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you.What sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.26 What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.Love for Enemies27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.Do Not Judge Others37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give w

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I realize it’s difficult for many to use this word. They key is to never ever say to someone, ‘stop being so anxious.’ This happened to me quite publically in from of leaders. It’s normal to feel anxious, fearful, and even bewildered at times. If we did not experience these emotions, we would not be human. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

1John 1Introduction1 We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning,[a] whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. 2 This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.[b]Living in the Light5 This is the message we heard from Jesus[c] and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

2023 The Year to Hear! Photo taken by Alexia at the Denver, CO Botanical Gardens September 2022God is talking.Has anyone heard?God is talking.Amongst the whirlwind of a world.Sparrows abound,Doves surround,In the midst of this storm.Beckon His Call.2023The best is yet to come.BE in ME,I will help you overcome.As you turn here and there,Look up, I AM.Here, there, everywhere;By My Spirit says the Lord.BE in ME.Hear what I speak.Listen, obey & turn.My return is nigh.Read my Word.SpeakListenHave you heard?StopListenBE in ME.Life Skills for Leadership is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.ShareLife Betterment Through Goda Podcast by AlexiaSUBSTACKAPPLESPOTIFYGOOGLEAMAZONPODCHASERTUNE INSTITCHERIHEARTLISTEN NOTESPODCAST INDEXYOU TUBERUMBLELife just gets better and better with God. Get to know Jesus through prayer, and contact with fellow believers. We are in the last days. Have you made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life? Let's begin a journey together. Hi, I am Alexia, a Life Coach. I have a Master's degree in Christian Counseling and am certified in Teaching Ministry from Rhema Bible College. I have 30+ years experience as a mental health and substance abuse therapist.Join us in our SIGNAL group to chat about getting closer to God during these end time events. We are a group Christians from all around the world and different denominations and perspectives. Join our SIGNAL group!Learn more about me on my Linked InWanting to support this new project? Cash App Lifebetterment#prayer #podcast #Christian #devotional #Jesus #Bible #inspirational #faith #2023 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Revelation 1New Living TranslationPrologue1 This is a revelation from[a] Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon[b] take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, 2 who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.3 God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.Revelation 22New Living Translation22 Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit,[a]with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.3 No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. 4 And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.6 Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets,[b] has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon.[c]”Jesus Is Coming7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.[d]”8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. 9 But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”10 Then he instructed me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near.11 Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.”12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”14 Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. 15 Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie.16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne.[e] I am the bright morning star.”17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. 18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.[f] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Luke 66 One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples broke off heads of grain, rubbed off the husks in their hands, and ate the grain. 2 But some Pharisees said, “Why are you breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?”3 Jesus replied, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He went into the house of God and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests can eat. He also gave some to his companions.” 5 And Jesus added, “The Son of Man[a] is Lord, even over the Sabbath.”Jesus Heals on the Sabbath6 On another Sabbath day, a man with a deformed right hand was in the synagogue while Jesus was teaching. 7 The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.8 But Jesus knew their thoughts. He said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” So the man came forward. 9 Then Jesus said to his critics, “I have a question for you. Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?”10 He looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 11 At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him.Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles12 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.13 At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:14 Simon (whom he named Peter),Andrew (Peter’s brother),James,John,Philip,Bartholomew,15 Matthew,Thomas,James (son of Alphaeus),Simon (who was called the zealot),16 Judas (son of James),Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).Crowds Follow Jesus17 When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil[b] spirits were healed.19 Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone.The Beatitudes20 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,“God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.21 God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied.God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.22 What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. 23 When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.Sorrows Foretold24 “What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now.25 What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you.What sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.26 What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.Love for Enemies27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.Do Not Judge Others37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.[c]”39 Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? 40 Students[d] are n

John 15New Living TranslationJesus, the True Vine15 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.17 This is my command: Love each other.The World’s Hatred18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 20 Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. 21 They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.22 They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. 24 If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. 25 This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures[a]: ‘They hated me without cause.’26 “But I will send you the Advocate[b]—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. 27 And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

1 Thessalonians 5New Living Translation5 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters,[a] we don’t really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.[b] 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.Paul’s Final Advice12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.Paul’s Final Greetings23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.25 Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss.27 I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters.28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

John 1616 “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 3 This is because they have never known the Father or me. 4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.The Work of the Holy Spirit5 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going.6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you.7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate[a] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy16 “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.25 “I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. 26 Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, 27 for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.[b] 28 Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”29 Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. 30 Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”31 Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”#prayer #faith This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

1 Thessalonians 213 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Mark 11Jesus’ Triumphant Entry11 As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into that village over there,”he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”4 The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door. 5 As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.8 Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,“Praise God![a] Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!10 Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!”[b]11 So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple. After looking around carefully at everything, he left because it was late in the afternoon. Then he returned to Bethany with the twelve disciples.Jesus Curses the Fig Tree12 The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. 14 Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it.Jesus Clears the Temple15 When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, 16 and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace.[c] 17 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”[d]18 When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching.19 That evening Jesus and the disciples left[e] the city.20 The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. 21 Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!”22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.[f]”The Authority of Jesus Challenged27 Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. 28 They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”29 “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. 30 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”31 They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. 32 But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. 33 So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Faith Brings JoyRomans 55 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace[a] with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.Adam and Christ Contrasted12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. 13 Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. 14 Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. 15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.20 God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Hebrews 312 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters.[f] Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. 15 Remember what it says:“Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.”[g]16 And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard his voice? Wasn’t it the people Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? 18 And to whom was God speaking when he took an oath that they would never enter his rest? Wasn’t it the people who disobeyed him? 19 So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest.Hebrews 4God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. 2 For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God.[a] 3 For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said,“In my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest,’”[b]even though this rest has been ready since he made the world. 4 We know it is ready because of the place in the Scriptures where it mentions the seventh day: “On the seventh day God rested from all his work.”[c] 5 But in the other passage God said, “They will never enter my place of rest.”[d]6 So God’s rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God. 7 So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted:“Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”[e] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

According to CERN the universe should not exist. It doesn’t make sense to them. 👇🏼💭"All of our observations find a complete symmetry between matter and antimatter, which is why the universe should not actually exist," first author Christian Smorra, from Japan's RIKEN institute, said in a statement.Psalm 104 tells us He upholds all things by His Word & power🔥Psalm 1041 Let all that I am praise the Lord.O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty.2 You are dressed in a robe of light.You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens;3 you lay out the rafters of your home in the rain clouds.You make the clouds your chariot; you ride upon the wings of the wind.4 The winds are your messengers; flames of fire are your servants.[a]5 You placed the world on its foundation so it would never be moved.6 You clothed the earth with floods of water, water that covered even the mountains.7 At your command, the water fled; at the sound of your thunder, it hurried away.8 Mountains rose and valleys sank to the levels you decreed.9 Then you set a firm boundary for the seas, so they would never again cover the earth.10 You make springs pour water into the ravines, so streams gush down from the mountains.11 They provide water for all the animals, and the wild donkeys quench their thirst.12 The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees.13 You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home, and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor.14 You cause grass to grow for the livestock and plants for people to use.You allow them to produce food from the earth—15 wine to make them glad,olive oil to soothe their skin, and bread to give them strength.16 The trees of the Lord are well cared for— the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.17 There the birds make their nests, and the storks make their homes in the cypresses.18 High in the mountains live the wild goats, and the rocks form a refuge for the hyraxes.[b]19 You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set.20 You send the darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals prowl about.21 Then the young lions roar for their prey, stalking the food provided by God.22 At dawn they slink back into their dens to rest.23 Then people go off to their work, where they labor until evening.24 O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.25 Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small.26 See the ships sailing along, and Leviathan,[c] which you made to play in the sea.27 They all depend on you to give them food as they need it.28 When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied.29 But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust.30 When you give them your breath,[d] life is created, and you renew the face of the earth.31 May the glory of the Lord continue forever! The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made!32 The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

A relationship with the Holy Spirit comes through salvation; intimacy with the Holy Spirit comes through surrender. Let’s seek intimacy with God. He has arms open wide.Revelation 3:20Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Chat with Him like sharing a meal with a friend.Revelation 3The Message to the Church in Sardis3 “Write this letter to the angel[a] of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit[b] of God and the seven stars:“I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead.2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.The Message to the Church in Philadelphia7 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia.This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David.What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open:[c]8 “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. 9 Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue—those liars who say they are Jews but are not—to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love.10 “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. 11 I am coming soon.[d] Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. 12 All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.13 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.The Message to the Church in Laodicea14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning[e] of God’s new creation:15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Hebrews 11:6King James Version6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.Read full chapterLife Skills for Leadership is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Psalm 43New Living TranslationPsalm 431 Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars.2 For you are God, my only safe haven. Why have you tossed me aside?Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?3 Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me.Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live.4 There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy.I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God!5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!Life Skills for Leadership is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

The Holy Spirit Comes2 On the day of Pentecost[a] all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,[b] as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”Peter Preaches to the Crowd14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy.19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke.20 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.21 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[c]22 “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene[d] by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. 25 King David said this about him:‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.26 No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope.27 For you will not leave my soul among the dead[e] or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.28 You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’[f]29 “Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn’t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. 30 But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. 31 David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah’s resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave.32 “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said,‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”’[g]36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[h]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.The Believers Form a Community42 All the be

Psalm 69For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Lilies.”1 Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck.2 Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold.I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.3 I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched.My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.4 Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs on my head.Many enemies try to destroy me with lies, demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.5 O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you.6 Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies.Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel.7 For I endure insults for your sake; humiliation is written all over my face.8 Even my own brothers pretend they don’t know me; they treat me like a stranger.9 Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.10 When I weep and fast, they scoff at me.11 When I dress in burlap to show sorrow, they make fun of me.12 I am the favorite topic of town gossip, and all the drunks sing about me.13 But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor.In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation.14 Rescue me from the mud; don’t let me sink any deeper!Save me from those who hate me, and pull me from these deep waters.15 Don’t let the floods overwhelm me, or the deep waters swallow me, or the pit of death devour me.16 Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful.Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful.17 Don’t hide from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble!18 Come and redeem me; free me from my enemies.19 You know of my shame, scorn, and disgrace. You see all that my enemies are doing.20 Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair.If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.21 But instead, they give me poison[a] for food; they offer me sour wine for my thirst.22 Let the bountiful table set before them become a snare and their prosperity become a trap.[b]23 Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and make their bodies shake continually.[c]24 Pour out your fury on them; consume them with your burning anger.25 Let their homes become desolate and their tents be deserted.26 To the one you have punished, they add insult to injury; they add to the pain of those you have hurt.27 Pile their sins up high, and don’t let them go free.28 Erase their names from the Book of Life; don’t let them be counted among the righteous.29 I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.30 Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving.31 For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle, more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves.32 The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.33 For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people.34 Praise him, O heaven and earth, the seas and all that move in them.35 For God will save Jerusalem[d] and rebuild the towns of Judah.His people will live there and settle in their own land.36 The descendants of those who obey him will inherit the land, and those who love him will live there in safety.Life Skills for Leadership is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

The Lord’s Future Reign Isaiah 22 This is a vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:2 In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all— the most important place on earth.It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship.3 People from many nations will come and say,“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God.There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.”For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem.4 The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes.They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.A Warning of Judgment5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord!6 For the Lord has rejected his people, the descendants of Jacob,because they have filled their land with practices from the East and with sorcerers, as the Philistines do. They have made alliances with pagans.7 Israel is full of silver and gold; there is no end to its treasures.Their land is full of warhorses; there is no end to its chariots.8 Their land is full of idols; the people worship things they have made with their own hands.9 So now they will be humbled, and all will be brought low— do not forgive them.10 Crawl into caves in the rocks. Hide in the dustfrom the terror of the Lord and the glory of his majesty.11 Human pride will be brought down, and human arrogance will be humbled.Only the Lord will be exalted on that day of judgment.12 For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has a day of reckoning.He will punish the proud and mighty and bring down everything that is exalted.13 He will cut down the tall cedars of Lebanon and all the mighty oaks of Bashan.14 He will level all the high mountains and all the lofty hills.15 He will break down every high tower and every fortified wall.16 He will destroy all the great trading ships[a] and every magnificent vessel.17 Human pride will be humbled, and human arrogance will be brought down.Only the Lord will be exalted on that day of judgment.18 Idols will completely disappear.19 When the Lord rises to shake the earth, his enemies will crawl into holes in the ground.They will hide in caves in the rocks from the terror of the Lord and the glory of his majesty.20 On that day of judgment they will abandon the gold and silver idols they made for themselves to worship.They will leave their gods to the rodents and bats,21 while they crawl away into caverns and hide among the jagged rocks in the cliffs.They will try to escape the terror of the Lord and the glory of his majesty as he rises to shake the earth.22 Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?Life Skills for Leadership is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Proverbs 29 New Living Translation29 Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.4 A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.5 To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.6 Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.7 The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all.8 Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger.9 If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.10 The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them.[a]11 Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.12 If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked.13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common— the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.14 If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever.15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.16 When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall.17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.19 Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.20 There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.21 A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel.22 An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.23 Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.24 If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself. You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice comes from the Lord.27 The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.Life Skills for Leadership is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Psalm 61New Living TranslationPsalm 61For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.1 O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.Lead me to the towering rock of safety,3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude5 For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.6 Add many years to the life of the king! May his years span the generations!7 May he reign under God’s protection forever. May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.8 Then I will sing praises to your name forever as I fulfill my vows each day.Life Skills for Leadership is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe