Daily Devotions with Pastor John David Mull of Shepherd of The Valley on the three-year Lectionary Readings. Lectionary B, Proper 21.

Psalm 104:27-35

Dive into the heartfelt sounds of this song, reminiscent of Radiohead's signature style. Experience the captivating tale of a man deeply consumed by the love of his life. Witness the emotional journey as he grapples with a profound sense of longing, finding himself in a bittersweet state of dependence. Through soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, this track explores the complexities of love and its profound impact on our lives.

"Dependent Shadows" is a captivating blend of psychedelic and hypnotic sounds with a dark and haunting atmosphere. Featuring a driving beat and heavy bass, this track explores the struggles of reliance and dependence through gripping lyrics and intense rhythms. Perfect for fans of immersive and emotionally charged music that delves into the complexities of inner turmoil.


Walking on a wire, caught between the light, Shadows rise like giants in the chaos of the night.

A tree stands tall, roots tangled and scarred, The weight of the world pulling me hard. A scream in the dark, a soft refrain, Dependent shadows, they soothe my pain.

I grip the edge, but my hands let go, A silent storm brews deep below. Torn apart, yet pieced together, In the shadows, I’m light as a feather.

Shadows shift, they circle tight, A clash of fear and fragile light. I lean on them, they pull me in, Dependent shadows, where I begin.

Dependent shadows, screaming loud, Lift me high above the crowd. I fall, I falter, I lean, I fight, But they hold strong through the night.

Dependent shadows, soft but sharp, Carving strength into my heart. Through the chaos, they’ll keep me sane, In their arms, I rise again.

A river burns where the bridges crack, The ghosts of my choices clawing back. In my silence, the shadows hum, A broken hymn of what’s to come.

The ground caves in, my knees collide, But shadows stand where I can’t stride. Their weight is calm, their grip is fierce, Through their strength, I pierce the fear.

Shadows shift, they circle tight, A clash of fear and fragile light. I lean on them, they pull me in, Dependent shadows, where I begin.

Dependent shadows, screaming loud, Lift me high above the crowd. I fall, I falter, I lean, I fight, But they hold strong through the night.

Dependent shadows, soft but sharp, Carving strength into my heart. Through the chaos, they’ll keep me sane, In their arms, I rise again.

Maybe shadows aren’t my chains, Maybe leaning helps me gain. Not a weakness, not a cage, They’re the calm inside the rage.

Dependent shadows, screaming loud, Lift me high above the crowd. I fall, I falter, I lean, I fight, But they hold strong through the night.

Dependent shadows, quiet yet raw, Breaking rules, defying laws. Through the chaos, they’ll keep me sane, In their arms, I rise again.

Walking on a wire, caught between the light, Shadows rise like titans in the quiet of the night.

Dependent Shadows

In this powerful exploration of worry and anxiety, we delve into Jesus' teachings from Matthew 6:25-34. The message challenges us to reconsider our priorities and trust in God's providence. We're reminded that worry often stems from misplaced priorities and attempts to control the uncontrollable. By striving first for God's kingdom, we can find peace amidst life's uncertainties. The imagery of birds and flowers serves as a poignant reminder of God's care for all creation, encouraging us to trust in His provision. This teaching invites us to examine our hearts, identify our true treasures, and align our lives with God's purposes. As we shift our focus from worldly concerns to eternal values, we can experience the freedom and peace that comes from fully trusting in God's plan for our lives.

Link in the Chain | Who Are You Worried About? - Matthew 6:25-34 - Clint Leavitt

The Holy Spirit, who filled Jesus without measure, provided him with guidance, strength, and help during his forty days of wilderness temptation. Led by the Spirit into this desolate place, Jesus faced three distinct challenges from the devil targeting his physical needs, pursuit of authority, and his trust in God's promises. Through each trial, Jesus relied not on his divine nature but on the written Word of God, demonstrating complete dependence on the Father rather than yielding to self-sufficiency or shortcuts to his messianic mission. Jesus overcame the devil’s wilderness testing, and proved his readiness for his messianic ministry, establishing for us a pattern of spiritual victory through reliance on Scripture and submission to God's will rather than human desires.

Week 15: Saturday

Short Story Written By Anelo Pontecorvo

The Rhythm of Connection in Neuroscience. (Relationship Factors In A Real Life Short Story)

This excerpt explores the intricate relationship between attachment, sex, and romantic relationships. It highlights how the systems involved in sexual interactions and attachment often overlap, potentially explaining the formation of pair bonds through repeated sexual experiences with the same partner. The excerpt also delves into the complex interplay of attachment and dependence in romantic relationships, questioning whether dependence is inherently good or bad and whether there's an optimal level for healthy relationships. It proposes that further research is needed to understand how to achieve optimal dependence in close relationships. 

Simpson, J. A., & Rholes, W. S. (Eds.). (2015). *Attachment theory and research: New directions and emerging themes*. Guilford Press. 


The Rhythm of Connection in Neuroscience

The Rhythm of Connection in Neuroscience. (Relationship Factors In A Real Life Short Story)

As we near the end of our series on Galatians, Anthony walks through what Paul describes as some facets of what it means to live in interdependent and accountable communities of faith. 

Galatians 6:1-10

06/15/2025 - Chris Randall - Christ: Our Sufficiency (Philippians 4:10-13)

“I don't think Jesus was sending them to do anything for him... I think Jesus was sending them to teach them a more important lesson.” – Pastor Lorne

This week, Pastor Lorne explores how Jesus’ call to share our faith out in the world is less about what we do and more about how we do it.

Commissioned by Jesus | Pastor Lorne Hlad

- Purposed process of salvation. Endure. 
- Jeremiah- He was warned of exile to Babylon. Priests didn't believe him. Wanted to hear only good. Point was to be saved. Those that didn't go died. No meekness or humility. Eventual loss of respect and self-interpretation. Christ wasn't "logical". Some Hebrews prospered in Babylon. Come out of her My people. Mother of harlots= 1st harlot. Indignation will be fulfilled. Forehead marking was from days of old to indicate they were a harlot. Hidden Babylon and hidden iniquity. Israel will be exiled again. God doesn't hate, but will have strong justice. God will use His own children in a mighty way. 
- Lead by example because when darkness comes to your beloved family member, there's nothing you can do. No one is tricked into following the beast. Don't ignore the truth you see. Choice, not force. People are lined up for the mark now. All are being sorted. God will show us how we are fooled in relationships. A price to pay for engaging anyway. 
- Locusts of bottomless pit aren't for righteous. Condemned have high stakes. Makes prophecy an anchor. Hard to see loved ones fall. 
- John 10- other folds = gentiles. Book of Life liberates. Book of deeds for those that chose against Christ.
- Golden sky- Soon we'll see. Being talked about. 
- People like control. We protect, but can't dictate their choices in freedom. Your children are God's children loaned to you. Your flesh is in your children, but God's Spirit. We choose who we are. We must prepare for truth. 
- Surrendering more quickly and putting flesh down quickly-  Choose pleasing ( ex. good taste) or necessity. Keep flesh subdued by not responding to it's cravings. Give it only what it needs. Don't indulge flesh. Bedtime test is lying down with nothing on your mind. 
- Fasting- breakthrough at 3 days for the body in general.
- Things are going to become unavailable. Best to overcome flesh in these regards with dependencies. Overcome bad habits for best representation of Christ to the young.
- Ensure- requires ample water along with it to properly digest. Can effectively live on it. 
Difficulty digesting meat after a long time. 
- Galactic federation- no credence. We are deceived when we want something. God speaks to His children, so listen.
Family meeting- Technology instructions, planning, routes, communication in emergencies.
Watchers- class of angels. Some fell and were replaced. Fallen are bound in the Earth. We will judge fallen because we live in the world they destroyed.

09 24 2025  Come out of her My People - Q and A

BEL1EVER - on zavisim

Mind the gap! Rick and the Becky-nator are back with a new episode of Paying Ridiculous Attention to Jesus after a six-month “gap.” It’s Episode 5 of Season 9 - “Dependence” - a continuation of the series “THE WAYS OF JESUS.” Here Rick and Becky explore themes drawn from his new book Editing Jesus. In this episode they kick off a mini-series within the series—we’ll explore dependence as a core teaching of Jesus, threaded through His parables and miracles and constantly modeled by Him. To walk in His ways means to live a dependent life. But the church has typically elevated a different way of living, urging us to “try harder to be better.” It’s in direct contrast to a life of dependence—best expressed in Jesus’ metaphor for our relationship with Him: the “branch” embedded in the “Vine.”
 
Check out Rick’s new book, Editing Jesus. Go to its Amazon page here: https://tinyurl.com/48erume9

Becky has another podcast project, co-hosted with her friend Steph. It’s called Orderly, and you can find it here: https://www.beckycrawley.com/orderly-podcast/

And here’s a great recorded conversation with Dr. Judi Slattery on her popular podcast Authentic Intimacy—an exploration of the themes of Editing Jesus, from the perspective of a kindred spirit and clinical psychologist: https://www.authenticintimacy.com/556-why-we-cant-ignore-what-offends-us-about-jesus/

And don’t forget to check out Rick’s daily devotional Jesus-Centered Daily—go to jesuscentereddaily.com to download a 10-day sampler of the devotion, or to order it for yourself or as a gift. Or head straight to Amazon to order it: 
https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Centered-Daily-Touch-Smell-Taste/dp/1470759608/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Jesus-Centered+Daily&qid=1599794429&sr=8-1

Sign Up for the FREE 7-Day Devotional Series, Drawn from the Jesus-Centered Daily
https://www.mylifetree.com/jesus-centered-daily-download/?fbclid=IwAR2H19A3iHl53Rl7OUrJLWkq3NkFjSFlxTUnngBOAeZDvo2GHHUnnHWJQo0

Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all-in with Jesus—to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on Him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, sneak peeks of new resources, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group.
Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/

Join Rick’s Email List
ricklawrence.com/stay-connected/

Rick’s Email Addresses
rick@ricklawrence.com
rlawrence@vibrantfaith.org

Vibrant Faith
https://vibrantfaith.org

Related Books & Resources:
The Jesus-Centered Life
https://tinyurl.com/yxmdbafx

Jesus-Centered Daily
www.amazon.com/Jesus-Centered-Da…1593117629&sr=8-1

Following Jesus
A 40-lesson, interactive and experiential curriculum for youth or adult ministry, created by Rick Lawrence.
https://vibrantfaith.org/product/following-jesus/

The Suicide Solution
https://www.amazon.com/Suicide-Solution-Finding-Your-Darkness/dp/1684511593/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+Suicide+Solution&qid=1628897750&sr=8-2

Spiritual Grit: A Journey Into Endurance. Character. Confidence. Hope. 
www.mylifetree.com/shop/spiritual-grit/

Growing Spiritual Grit for Teenagers: 40 Devotions 
www.mylifetree.com/shop/growing-sp…s-40-devotions/

Growing Spiritual Grit: 52 Personal Devotions 
www.mylifetree.com/shop/growing-sp…onal-devotions/

The Jesus-Centered Bible
www.mylifetree.com/jesus-centered-bible-shop-page/

The God Who Fights for You: How He Shows Up in Your Suffering 
www.amazon.com/God-Who-Fights-Yo…ing/dp/073697704X



Season 9 Episode 5 - Dependence

YT:  https://youtu.be/5bBqJagO6zk

🎧 “Enchained” – ALLPMA
The Theme: Self-Fettering and Emotional Liberation
“Enchained” is an intense, emotional piece that addresses the themes of fettering and inner anxiety. The song charts the protagonist's journey from an initial deep, almost toxic connection to a desperate cry for liberation from a suffocating relationship or situation. The narrator describes being caught in the chains of the other person, pleading for the "key" to freedom.

The Turning Point: The Self-Warden
The central turning point arrives in the third stanza: Here, under aggressive vocals, the narrator realizes that the shackles are not external. The true prison is their own fear, and they are their "own warden."

Musical Dynamics
The dynamic switch between Clean Vocals (for the initial plea and the desperate cry for a key) and Unclean Vocals (for pain, aggression, and the dark realization) powerfully illustrates this internal struggle. The ending brings a dark resignation: The protagonist concludes that there is no key, and they cannot overcome their own, inner chains.



Credits & Copyright
Self-Written by: ALLPMA

Sound: AI

Cover Art: created with the assistance of Gemini

© 2025 ALLPMA – “Enchained.” All Rights Reserved.

enchained (Remix of "Gefesselt")

Daily Devotions and Weekly Messages from God's Word with John David Mull - Christ-follower, husband, and father.  Pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Church in West Des Moines, IA.

Flinch, Then Ignite:  https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/shiitakeproducts/flinch-then-ignite

I built Shiitake Products because the world needed a home for beautiful nonsense and soul-splitting truth.

- Sometimes that looks like a dancefloor meltdown at 2am.
- Sometimes it’s a button that says “Mildly Okay Human.”
- Sometimes it’s a whispered hymn to grief.

It’s all real. It’s all me. This is my multiverse—and you’re invited.

Here, AI collides with human emotion to create music that actually means something.
From dark trap bangers to cinematic alt-rock anthems, from emo-folk confessionals to glitch-satire ballads—every track is a story, a mood, a moment.
Not built for algorithms.
Built to feel.

🎧 Genres? Trap. EDM. Alt-rock. Rap-rock. Folk. Comedy. Chaos.

🧠 Themes? Rage. Love. ADHD spirals. Existential dread. Healing. Heartbreak. Hope.

🎯 Mission? To punch through the noise—and hit something real.


🔥 Want your story turned into a song? I do that.

🎁 Every listen helps fund more sonic experiments, more weird merch, and more beautiful noise.

🔗 Links:
🎶 Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/7Hk4B9nLJs5XwqQEqOdMaU
🍎 Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/shiitake-products/1766960367
☕ Support / Custom Songs: ko-fi.com/shiitakeproducts
🌐 More chaos: shiitakeproducts.com

⚠️ Marketers & "design bros" beware: I will waste your time on purpose.

Die Texte der Songs sind von mir und habe sie mit KI zum Leben erweckt, vllt gefallen sie dem ein oder anderen.
Sie erzählen von aktuellen Themen und von Gefühlen die jeder kennt.
Ihr Zuhause ist der Metal/Rock 🤘

I wrote the lyrics for the songs and brought them to life with AI. Maybe someone out there will like them. They're about current issues and feelings everyone knows. Their home is Metal/Rock 🤘.

Connecting people to True Abundance in Christ.  Gather for worship Saturdays at 5 pm & Sundays at 9 am & 11 am.  Live streamed on Sundays at https://goodshepherd.com/worship.

Rick Lawrence, author of Jesus-Centered Life, unpacks what it means to live a life that pays ridiculous attention to Jesus. Each episode zooms in on a story of Jesus and looks at it to answer two very basic questions. Who do I say Jesus is? Who does Jesus say I am?

I believe in music's power to spark personal growth, forge meaningful connections, and create shared experiences. My mission is to produce dynamic musical works—both in the booth and studio—that tell stories, explore spirituality, and build deep emotional bonds.

- Lifelong Musical Professional & Enthusiast | Creative Entrepreneur | Music Producer | Club DJ | Event Production, Management & Design Specialist | Electrician | Graphic Designer | Barber & Comedian
- Academic Background: Master of Arts in Arts and Media, Audio Production, Media Management, Psychology, Mathematics, Sciences, and Business

**UNIFI MUSIC LLC**
NYC-Based Record Label, Music Production & Artist Management
UNIFI MUSIC LLC builds a creative ecosystem for emerging musicians, artists, and producers. We educate up-and-coming artists to help them reach their full potential and release music on all major platforms. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on the music industry. Music, dance, and storytelling are fundamental to the human experience—art inspires us, gives us purpose, and creates meaningful connections that last a lifetime.

Valley Hope is a people who want to see the kingdom of Jesus transform the Swannanoa Valley.

At Midtown Presbyterian Church, we value honest questions and genuine community, working alongside one another as we discover more about what it means to follow Jesus in the modern world, and in Phoenix. You are welcome here.
Listen to our teachings in this podcast to follow us, and be sure to join us Sunday mornings; visit thespringmidtown.org to learn more.

Faith Community Church is a non-denominational church in South Boston, VA under the leadership of Pastor Dane Skelton. Sermon podcasts are uploaded every Sunday.

New tracks tagged #Dependence