In this week's episode, we are challenged by the Gospel of John, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit for apart from me, you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Mariam Haddad, successful entrepreneur, community supporter, and devoted mother, shares her encounter with the pruning shears wielded by the Lord. In the solitude of the pandemic, she gives up her grandiose plans for her children and business and loses every possession in the Houston freeze. Mariam glorifies God for this new season of repentance by which the dead branches of pride and personal agendas are pruned and cut away. Read the full episode transcript here.
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As the world begins to reopen, we have choices to make about engaging the world around us. Fr. Timothy Lowe shares two strange and contrasting stories - one where fear and suspicion leads to rejection and another where trust and a posture of hospitality leads to a joyous feast with a stranger. He likens these stories to the shushing crowds who refuse to engage the blind beggar in Luke's gospel; unlike Jesus who attends to his faithful cry.
These stories help servant leaders within the Lord's household to reconsider our "target audiences," those "customer profiles" we find worthy to engage our services, products, and events. Read the full episode transcript here. 
In this January season of performance reviews and annual meetings, we turn to the Prophet Amos who conducts a performance review of all the nations. No one is righteous. No not one. Neither does scrutinizing one's neighbor and escaping their sins by comparison make one righteous. The Prophet Amos helps servant leaders put today's performance reviews into perspective for the one that truly counts on the Last Day.
Read the full episode transcript here. 
Who among us doesn't like a bit of recognition, a pat on the back for effort and a job well done? Fr. Timothy Lowe emphasizes the relational aspects of trust and mercy as he unfolds the ego-busting lesson in Luke's gospel. "So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we've only done what was our duty.'" (Luke 17:10) Ultimately, it's not just about doing the basics, but about going the extra mile.
Read the full episode transcript here. 
To become a doulos of Christ, it all begins with an effort to grow in biblical literacy and accountability to God's instruction. From there, cultivating watchfulness and caring for "the least of these." As a doulos in God's household, Dn. Sean Reid reminds us to lead as one under authority and to practice offering the "first fruits" to the Lord who so graciously provides. Dn. Sean is owner ofArrowhead Coaching and Facilitation Solutions and serves the St. Maria of Paris Mission in Hamilton, ON.
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