Phil Vestal
Phil Vestal
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Where Was Jesus Born? A Stable?
Where was Jesus born? Was it really a stable? The traditional nativity story pictures Jesus being born in a stable with animals and no family or community there to help. But is this really what the Bible says? Is this really what life would have been like for Mary and Joseph visiting Bethlehem when it was time for Jesus to be born? In this video, I take a look at history, culture, and some of the language of the birth story of Jesus to explore where Jesus was most likely born and what this might mean for us today!
I love helping people connect with God through Scripture and believe studying the Bible is meant to be fun and life-changing. I hope this video helped you engage this season (or whenever you might be watching) with a little more intentionality and helps you hear God's voice in your life.
For more guided practices and series designed to help you connect with God and grow in your faith, check out my Patreon channel: bit.ly/pvestalpatreon
Questions? You can reach out at connect@ruahspace.com.
#jesusbirth #christmas #Avent
Переглядів: 90

Відео

Lectio Divina for Advent
Переглядів 4316 годин тому
In this Advent Lectio Divina prayer practice, we pray with Luke 1:38, Mary's response to God's call to become the mother of Jesus. This space is a few minutes to slow down and listen for God speaking through Scripture. We open our mind, heart, and spirit to hear what word God may have for us, what invitation God is offering us to respond to. I love helping people connect with God through Script...
When Was Jesus Actually Born?
Переглядів 15421 годину тому
Let's explore when Jesus was actually born! Was it December 25 or was it in April or maybe September? Why do we celebrate Christmas on Dec 25 and does it matter when he was born? I also look at the year Jesus was most likely born and it's probably not when you might think! I love helping people connect with God through Scripture and believe studying the Bible is meant to be fun and life-changin...
Who Were the Wise Men and Why Does it Matter?
Переглядів 20014 днів тому
I explore who the magi/wise men were from Matthew 2 and the birth story of Jesus. We take a look at some of the possibilities and what their story and inclusion in the Gospel might mean for our own faith journey today. It turns out that the response of these outsiders two thousand years ago offers quite the challenge for our lives today. I love helping people connect with God through Scripture ...
Should Christians Avoid Eastern Practices?
Переглядів 1372 роки тому
Should Christians avoid eastern practices? I often hear the objection that certain prayer and meditation practices, or even Christian yoga, should be avoided because they are “eastern." Here are some of my thoughts. Spoiler alert-Christianity is an eastern religion! 😮 👇Set up a free call to discuss spiritual direction👇 bit.ly/3nxlDbY How's your prayer life? Bored? Not sure what to say or do nex...
The Power of Words When Forming New Habits
Переглядів 232 роки тому
Our words our powerful influencers when it comes to the actions we take. Our mental and self-talk shapes how and why we do what we do. Our words either empower us or disempower us, making our habits long-lasting or short-lived. How's your prayer life? Bored? Not sure what to say or do next? I love working with people to discover deeper, more meaningful ways to pray. 👇Check out my Patreon page w...
Our Body is Central in Prayer & Meditation
Переглядів 503 роки тому
Did you know that your body is a central, necessary component when it comes to growing in your relationship with God through prayer and meditation? We are often taught that the main way we grow closer to God is through our mind, but God chose a body to reveals God's self and we can experience a greater prayer life when we invite our body into the experience! If you are interested in going deepe...
Praying in Color - A Guided Lectio Divina in Color with Sybil Macbeth & Ruah Space
Переглядів 1 тис.4 роки тому
In this guided Lectio Divina in color, we are joined by Sybil Macbeth, the author of the book "Praying in Color." We discuss what it means to pray in color, guide a special Lectio Divina practice in color, and discuss our experience as we engage the experience of those who joined the event live. Grab some paper, your favorite writing utensils, and pray in color with us! Our passage today is Psa...
Seasons of Change - Lectio Divina with Creation - Prayer & Meditation
Переглядів 1344 роки тому
In this invitation to prayer and meditation, we explore Lectio Divina with creation and the changing seasons, what some call Lectio Tierra. I also offer one-on-on spiritual direction. Email connect@ruahspace.com if interested. In spiritual direction, I help you hear the voice of God more consistently as we explore your story, spiritual disciplines, and where God may be moving in your life today...
Body Scan Prayer & Meditation for Healing & Listening
Переглядів 8604 роки тому
In this body scan prayer and meditation for healing and listening, Phil guides a practice where you are invited to become present to what God may be saying to you in and through your body in prayer. Our bodies are created by God to be good and to communicate to us through feelings and emotions. We often don’t listen to our bodies, however, because we are too busy, have been harmed, or don’t lov...
Centering Down - A Guided Prayer & Meditation on Trusting God With Our Plans
Переглядів 2074 роки тому
In Centering Down, A Guided Prayer and Meditation on Trusting God With Our Plans, Phil guides you through a practice of surrounding our ways and plans in order to open to God's gifts and direction. Also known as "Hands Down, Hands Up" Prayer, this Christian prayer practice is done in three steps - surrounding with our hands down, receiving with our hands up, and resting in God. I also offer one...
The Interior Castle Seventh Dwelling Place - Union with God and it's Effects
Переглядів 2754 роки тому
We explore the seventh and final dwelling place of St. Teresa of Avila's "The Interior Castle". This dwelling place is about union with God. We focus on the effects of such an intimate union with God, returning to familiar topics such as humility, self-sacrifice, love, forgiveness of enemies, and submitting our will to God's will. What is amazing about accepting the invitation to dance with the...
The Interior Castle Sixth Dwelling Place - Experiencing Connection with God and Suffering
Переглядів 3704 роки тому
In The Interior Castle's Sixth Dwelling Place, we explore St. Teresa's teachings about visions or words from God revealed to the soul. We explore what this means, draw some conclusions for all of us whether or not we have ever had such an experience, and talk about how growing closer to God can actually cause great suffering! I also offer one-on-on spiritual direction. Email connect@ruahspace.c...
Lectio Divina with Psalm 23 - A Guided Meditation & Prayer
Переглядів 3,9 тис.4 роки тому
Lectio Divina with Psalm 23 - A Guided Meditation & Prayer
Guided Imaginative Prayer With Jesus
Переглядів 2614 роки тому
Guided Imaginative Prayer With Jesus
The Interior Castle Fifth Dwelling Place - Union, Detachment, and Love
Переглядів 3374 роки тому
The Interior Castle Fifth Dwelling Place - Union, Detachment, and Love
Jesus-Inspired Life Compass Guided Prayer Practice
Переглядів 954 роки тому
Jesus-Inspired Life Compass Guided Prayer Practice
The Interior Castle of St. Teresa of Avila Fourth Dwelling Place - A Mystical Prayer
Переглядів 4944 роки тому
The Interior Castle of St. Teresa of Avila Fourth Dwelling Place - A Mystical Prayer
The Interior Castle of St. Teresa of Avila - Third Dwelling Place - Dryness & Humility
Переглядів 4704 роки тому
The Interior Castle of St. Teresa of Avila - Third Dwelling Place - Dryness & Humility
The Interior Castle Second Dwelling Place - Hearing God, Knowing God, and Distractions
Переглядів 3704 роки тому
The Interior Castle Second Dwelling Place - Hearing God, Knowing God, and Distractions
The Interior Castle 1st Dwelling - Self-Knowledge & Humility
Переглядів 5554 роки тому
The Interior Castle 1st Dwelling - Self-Knowledge & Humility
The Interior Castle with St. Teresa of Avila Part 1 - Entering the Castle
Переглядів 1,1 тис.4 роки тому
The Interior Castle with St. Teresa of Avila Part 1 - Entering the Castle
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 12 "Thine is the Kingdom Power, and Glory."
Переглядів 2574 роки тому
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 12 "Thine is the Kingdom Power, and Glory."
An At Home Retreat With the Lord's Prayer Session 11 "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" with Fr. Haase
Переглядів 3134 роки тому
An At Home Retreat With the Lord's Prayer Session 11 "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" with Fr. Haase
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 10 "As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us"
Переглядів 3214 роки тому
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 10 "As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us"
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 9 "Forgive Us Our Sins" with Fr. Albert Haase OFM
Переглядів 3794 роки тому
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 9 "Forgive Us Our Sins" with Fr. Albert Haase OFM
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 8 Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread with Fr. Haase
Переглядів 3854 роки тому
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 8 Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread with Fr. Haase
An At Home Retreat with the Lord's Prayer Session 7 "Thy Will Be Done" with Fr. Albert Haase OFM
Переглядів 4584 роки тому
An At Home Retreat with the Lord's Prayer Session 7 "Thy Will Be Done" with Fr. Albert Haase OFM
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 6 "Thy Kingdom Come" with Fr. Albert Haase OFM
Переглядів 3814 роки тому
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 6 "Thy Kingdom Come" with Fr. Albert Haase OFM
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 5 "Holy Be Your Name" with Fr. Albert Haase
Переглядів 5164 роки тому
An At Home Retreat with The Lord's Prayer Session 5 "Holy Be Your Name" with Fr. Albert Haase

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @anthonyvestal5014
    @anthonyvestal5014 3 дні тому

    I enjoy learning information about the Bible that goes deeper into the meaning based on first century words, practices, culture, and definition. Thank you

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 дні тому

      Grateful to be a space to help you on that journey!

  • @MylieHadden
    @MylieHadden 3 дні тому

    This is exactly what we talked about this morning in our Sunday conversation group!

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 дні тому

      Fantastic! Did you find it to be similar or different to that conversation?

  • @lauriegraves6766
    @lauriegraves6766 6 днів тому

    'I am the servant' spoke to me. Thank you for this beautiful meditation!

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 6 днів тому

      Love that! Thank you for sharing. Blessings as the Lord speaks to you through those powerful words 🙏

  • @DawnBlevins1
    @DawnBlevins1 7 днів тому

    Thank you for your explanation. I appreciate it.

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 7 днів тому

      Absolutely! I love sharing this stuff! Grateful that you found it helpful. 🙏

  • @Marie-o8x
    @Marie-o8x 9 днів тому

    "For me, the most important thing is not when he was born, but that he was born." So well said!!!

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 9 днів тому

      Thank you! Definitely the point I hope we all get to no matter where we place Jesus birthday.

  • @suevestal5776
    @suevestal5776 9 днів тому

    I appreciate your explanation. Thank you

  • @betsy4936
    @betsy4936 9 днів тому

    Excellent and enjoyable video . I love the emphasis on the fact that Jesus was born for us and is here with us now and will come again!

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 9 днів тому

      Amen! The good news! Grateful you enjoyed it. 🙏

  • @BarbaraBrown-k1q
    @BarbaraBrown-k1q 10 днів тому

    Thought provoking and inspiring Thank you

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 10 днів тому

      Thank you! Grateful you enjoyed it. Have a blessed Advent 🙏

  • @melanyjackson9178
    @melanyjackson9178 3 місяці тому

    He restores my soul was my phrase too. Thank you.

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 11 днів тому

      Absolutely a pleasure. Thank you for sharing. That's a beautiful phrase.

  • @RFLeonard
    @RFLeonard 4 місяці тому

    Beautiful experience. I enjoyed a time of sharing and creating beautiful pictures expressing our prayers in color.

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 4 місяці тому

      Thank you! I'm grateful 🙏

  • @jonathankortes6933
    @jonathankortes6933 8 місяців тому

    I lack nothing ... for you are with me.

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 8 місяців тому

      Such a beautiful truth!

  • @matthewliow7787
    @matthewliow7787 10 місяців тому

    Thank you for your sharing of the 4thMansions, brief and neat.

  • @Kitiwake
    @Kitiwake Рік тому

    Ávila has a "tilda" over the A. So emphasize the A at that start of the word "Ávila". It's not pronounced "Aveela" as you both do.

  • @bernadetterichard6796
    @bernadetterichard6796 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for this ❤

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal Рік тому

      Absolutely! Grateful you enjoyed it 🙏

  • @jeevantauro4562
    @jeevantauro4562 Рік тому

    I really liked. Very good synthesis of Teresa. Humildad es andar en verdad! You are very clear. Thanks

  • @gilliankeene1908
    @gilliankeene1908 2 роки тому

    Wonderful

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 11 днів тому

      Thank you! Hope you enjoyed the series.

  • @gilliankeene1908
    @gilliankeene1908 2 роки тому

    Thank you.

  • @kberken
    @kberken 2 роки тому

    This is great! I'm going to use Sybil's book to lead an activity on a retreat I'm leading in October.

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      Love it! It is an amazing way to embody prayer, to get it out of our heads and bring all of ourselves into the encounter. I hope your retreat goes really well. Blessings! 🙏

  • @eonoe11
    @eonoe11 2 роки тому

    The definition of "about" is: in proximity to. We can talk about God, certainly, but the true language of God is Silence. To claim an expression adequately quantifies him is to worship a false idol, an image, and only a fragile illusion. To claim knowledge of what we are not equipped to know is to separate from his infinite and unconditional love, and his living state of being. Thank you for your wonderful discussions. This is such a great format!

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      Our pleasure! Thank you for engaging the video. We had a lot of fun making them and are so glad you have found them! Blessings friend. 🙏

  • @psgreen2169
    @psgreen2169 2 роки тому

    Before I had ever heard of kundalini I experienced it - a blue light rising up with precision from the sacrum to the head. It was my very first yoga class, and we were resting in child's pose when it happened. If there's a parallel in Judeo-Christian spiritual understanding I have yet to find it.

  • @andrearegmi1708
    @andrearegmi1708 2 роки тому

    Amen!!

  • @margaretclarke7135
    @margaretclarke7135 2 роки тому

    Quiet waters…

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      Yes! Such a peaceful, beautiful image.

  • @eonoe11
    @eonoe11 2 роки тому

    2 (t) in impor-ant

  • @andrearegmi1708
    @andrearegmi1708 2 роки тому

    What comes to my mind is that scene in Joe versus the volcano when the moon rises and he gets on his knees and says forgive me, I forgot how big....

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      Don't know that one! 😂😅

    • @andrearegmi1708
      @andrearegmi1708 2 роки тому

      @@philvestal you've never seen Joe versus the volcano??? You and your wife should soooo watch it! I really think you would like it!

  • @andrearegmi1708
    @andrearegmi1708 2 роки тому

    Very good insights!! Its very comforting to think of God has father and mother🙏❤

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      absolutely! Definitely something worth returning back to in prayer and meditation!

  • @andrearegmi1708
    @andrearegmi1708 2 роки тому

    Awesome session!! I loveee the diversity, it reminds me of worshipping in a Nepali church in Nepal, I couldn't understand the words but I felt the unity of the spirit🙏❤ I did the first part of the prayer over myself, a family member, a stranger andddd so powerful for today an enemy, I plan on doing the other practices as well. Thank you🙏❤

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      Wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and we are so grateful the practice was a blessing. And I agree that it's truly amazing to worship with sisters and brothers who don't look or sound like us. It invites us to experience God in some fantastic ways!

    • @andrearegmi1708
      @andrearegmi1708 2 роки тому

      @@philvestal exactly!😊

  • @andrearegmi1708
    @andrearegmi1708 2 роки тому

    Excellent point! Its a real blessing to see you and your wife's beautiful positivity, thank you🙏❤

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      wow thank you! What an encouragement today!🙏

    • @andrearegmi1708
      @andrearegmi1708 2 роки тому

      @@philvestal I'm grateful for you and your wife's service in doing these videos🙏❤

  • @tbailsvlogs5799
    @tbailsvlogs5799 2 роки тому

    dwell in the house of the Lord forever...definitely more time with Father,Son,&HolySpirit ...Thank You!!

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      Amen! Such a powerful part of the Psalm. Thank you for sharing and blessings on the journey!

  • @andrearegmi1708
    @andrearegmi1708 2 роки тому

    Thank you for this channel🙏❤

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      Absolutely my pleasure!

  • @bartholomewhorrocks3750
    @bartholomewhorrocks3750 2 роки тому

    😠 𝐩яⓞ𝓂𝓞Ş𝐦

  • @sombillagerson4812
    @sombillagerson4812 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much for inligthening the seventh dwelling place .

  • @faithfoodsfurbabies1808
    @faithfoodsfurbabies1808 2 роки тому

    Phil and Erin, I am the chaplain for our veterans and I am using your reflection to help them. Thank you. I used to be a catholic priest but left the ministry because I desire to listen to God's voice leading me to happiness, inner peace, and holiness of life in the context of family life. It has been 11 years since i left but still have not found the person God desires for me. However, I will not stop listening and searching and believing that there is a reason for everything. May God bless both of you and Cooper as well :)

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      Wow what a blessing for us to hear! We are so grateful it has been helpful in your ministry. I (Phil) absolutely understand the ongoing search and are glad we can be some small part of it. If you are interested, I offer one-on-one spiritual direction that might be helpful for you during this time of listening and searching. I'd love to journey a little bit with you. Let me know if you are interested - you can shoot me an email at connect@ruahspace.com and we can talk about it more.

  • @isaaccarney9232
    @isaaccarney9232 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the crash course! Gotta paper to write for class!

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      Absolutely! Happy to help! Hope it goes well!

  • @jodigreanead7315
    @jodigreanead7315 2 роки тому

    Great explanation! Thank you 😊

  • @jaymcgranahan4841
    @jaymcgranahan4841 2 роки тому

    Beautiful! Thank you for this session!

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 2 роки тому

      Absolutely! Thanks so much for joining! If you enjoyed this, you would probably also enjoy our Psalm 23 series on Patreon: www.patreon.com/ruahspace

  • @omereobaze7776
    @omereobaze7776 3 роки тому

    The Lord is my shepherd

  • @adammugnaini2337
    @adammugnaini2337 3 роки тому

    He restores my soul. Love this and so thankful that God spoke into me what I needed to hear

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 роки тому

      Amen friend! That is a blessing to hear. Thank you for sharing.

  • @philvestal
    @philvestal 3 роки тому

    Thanks for checking out this video! If you are interested in going deeper and discovering a deeper connection with God in your day-to-day life, consider spiritual direction with me! You can check out what it's all about here: ruahspace.com/spiritual-direction-with-phil/

  • @philvestal
    @philvestal 3 роки тому

    Hey friends, I wanted to let you know that I offer one-on-on spiritual direction. Email connect@ruahspace.com if interested. In spiritual direction, I help you hear the voice of God more consistently as we explore your story, spiritual disciplines, and where God may be moving in your life today.

  • @heatherbugnacki6689
    @heatherbugnacki6689 3 роки тому

    Great series! Thank you

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 роки тому

      Of course! Thanks for going on the journey with us.

  • @heatherbugnacki6689
    @heatherbugnacki6689 3 роки тому

    Thank you for this! You guys are great! You make a great team 😊

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 роки тому

      Thanks Heather! We appreciate your kind words and are glad you enjoyed the first part of the series!

  • @beckyproctor7499
    @beckyproctor7499 3 роки тому

    Such a beautiful, enriching, moving way to approach the throne of Grace. Thankful for you, Phil.

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 роки тому

      Absolutely!! Thank you for joining the practice!

  • @danbarcus7517
    @danbarcus7517 3 роки тому

    I have been thinking for a long time about leading a small group in the study of the Lord’s Prayer. Your series is wonderfully inviting and ecumenical. I would love to integrate your videos, with your permission, into a group study.

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 роки тому

      Of course! We hope it’s a blessing to the group! Let us know how it goes. I’m sure Phil would even be happy to speak with the group at some point if that would help! You can reach us at connect@ruahspace.com.

  • @abhirai6124
    @abhirai6124 3 роки тому

    Love your ministry

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 роки тому

      Thank you so much! You should definitely check out our Patreon page (www.patreon.com/ruahspace) as well as our Ruah Space memberships: bit.ly/3s49MUa I think you will find lots of great content in both places to help you go even deeper in your faith!

  • @SrMargaretKerryfsp
    @SrMargaretKerryfsp 3 роки тому

    Leading a group through this.

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 роки тому

      That's excellent! Let us know how it goes as you progress and many blessings!

  • @MatthewPaulAEE
    @MatthewPaulAEE 3 роки тому

    This is greattt.. thanks for this video

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 роки тому

      Of course! So glad you enjoyed it!

  • @katiasellos9217
    @katiasellos9217 4 роки тому

    I'm so greatfull to this oportunity! Thak you Both!

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 3 роки тому

      Thanks so much for being a part of the retreat!

  • @suevestal5776
    @suevestal5776 4 роки тому

    Trusting God is easier than you may think. Bringing HOPE with practical application. Thank you

  • @katiasellos9217
    @katiasellos9217 4 роки тому

    I feel so happy with these words of wisdom! Thank you very much!

    • @philvestal
      @philvestal 4 роки тому

      Thank you for the encouragement!