The Devil in The Details

• Why God Allows Desolation | Ignatian Rule 9 Explained

  If you’re practicing mental prayer and still feel spiritually dry, Rule 9 explains why—and what God may be trying to show you.Why does God allow desolation even when you’re doing everything right? In this episode, we break down Rule 9 from St. Ignatius’ 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits. We dive into the three core reasons God permits spiritual dryness: our own negligence, a test of our love, and a deep reminder that we are not the source of consolation—He is. We also get practical about how to recognize desolation, track your progress, and build a concrete Rule of Life that will anchor you in the battle. Whether you’re new to Ignatian discernment or well into your spiritual journey, this one will challenge and encourage you.Timestamp Summary:00:00 The Importance of Mental Prayer01:24 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare and Discernment02:06 Exploring the First Rule of Discernment03:02 The Role of Dopamine and Temptation04:18 The Importance of Spiritual Commitments07:08 Principle Causes of Desolation16:34 Creating a Rule of Life18:37 Practical Tips for Maintaining Spiritual Health27:43 Using Technology to Support Spiritual Practices28:25 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with us!Instagram:Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "[email protected]"

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• Entering the Church Isn’t Enough: How the Devil Attacks new Converts Pt. 1

  Dan and Jordan Burke reveal why new Catholics are prime targets for spiritual attack, expose the lies that endanger souls, the common tactics that the enemy uses against new converts, and share how to fight back with the truth of the Church.Timestamp Summary:0:00 The Devil's Influence and Catholic Responsibilities3:05 Challenges and Importance of Authentic Discipleship for New Converts7:46 Heaven and Hell: The Stakes of Faith and Salvation17:00 The Importance of Understanding Sin and Salvation in Catholicism22:23 Authentic Discipleship and the Consequences of Knowing Jesus29:07 The Importance of Mental Prayer and Authentic DiscipleshipKey Takeaways:Understanding the significance of being an "authentic disciple" is critical for new Catholics, involving full adherence to Church teachings.Mortal sin is a fundamental rejection of God, and confession is crucial to maintain a state of grace.Spiritual practices, including regular mental prayer and sacramental participation like the Eucharist, are vital to deepening one's relationship with Jesus.Misconceptions such as "being a good person" is sufficient for salvation are highlighted as dangerous pitfalls.The episode stresses that church membership does not equate to automatic salvation, underscoring the higher responsibility and potential for strict judgment.Connect with us!Instagram:Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "[email protected]"

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  35:51
• Fight Forward | Ignatian Rule 8 Explained

  You’re not your sin, your disorder, or your struggle—you’re a child of God called to fight forward, overcome, and be free.In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, we dive into Rule Eight of St. Ignatius’ discernment framework—perseverance in desolation. But this one hits deeper than you might expect. We talk identity lies, spiritual EMDR, and what it really means to refuse to be ruled by your lower nature. This isn’t just about staying patient in the storm—it’s about realizing you were never meant to identify with it. If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not a morning person” or “That’s just who I am,” this one’s for you. Get ready to fight forward—with clarity, with grit, and with grace.Resources Mentioned in this series:Immediate Action PlanHabitual Sin Course: Examination of ConscienceHoly Habits AppSeven Deadly SinsHidden FaultsFree Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsAvila Institute Class on Discernment of SpiritsFr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of SpiritsDans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsTimestamp Summary:00:00 Introduction and Series Overview00:38 Rule Eight: Perseverance in Desolation01:09 The Concept of Patience02:16 Identity and Negative Cognitions02:52 Personal Stories and Overcoming Challenges05:51 The Importance of Positive Cognition12:44 Desolation and Human Nature16:57 Hospital Experiences and Finding Peace17:57 A Painful Experience18:12 Spiritual Conversations in the Ambulance19:47 Finding Peace Amidst Pain21:03 A Stressful Drive22:53 Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance24:15 The Battle of Life31:39 Balancing Awareness and Paranoia34:36 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement5 Key Takeaways from Rule 8: Perseverance in DesolationYou are not your disorder, sin, or struggle.One of the biggest lies the enemy tells is that your weakness is your identity. But in Christ, your identity is rooted in grace—not your passions, inclinations, or past failures.Patience is not passive—it’s a choice.Rule 8 calls us to work to be patient in desolation. That means engaging your will, choosing to fight even when you feel nothing, and refusing to be dragged by your emotions.Negative self-talk can be demonic bait.Repeating phrases like “I’m just not a morning person” or “I’ve always been like this” forms psychological and spiritual chains. These “negative cognitions” reinforce falsehoods that give the enemy a handle on your soul.Victory comes through fidelity, not feelings.Desolation often feels like failure, but it’s not. By leaning into prayer, penance, and meditation (as taught in Rule 6), you’re choosing God even when He feels absent. That choice is the victory.Spiritual warfare requires readiness, not paranoia.Like a cop prepared for a worst-case call, the Catholic must walk into each day ready for battle—not with fear, but with clarity and peace. “Fight forward” by staying vigilant, grounded in truth, and armed with the sacraments.

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  36:07
• God is Closer Than You Think | Ignatian Rule 7 Explained

  Even in desolation, God has not abandoned you. In this episode, Jordan and Dan Burke explore Rule 7 of St. Ignatius’ spiritual exercises, revealing how faith, prayer, and mental discipline can help you recognize God’s presence—even when He feels distant.Resources Mentioned in this series:Immediate Action PlanHabitual Sin Course: Examination of ConscienceHoly Habits AppSeven Deadly SinsHidden FaultsFree Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsAvila Institute Class on Discernment of SpiritsFr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of SpiritsDans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsTimestamp Summary:0:01 Overcoming Desolation Through Adjusted Thinking and Spiritual Guidance3:10 Spiritual Growth Amidst Mental Health Challenges5:19 Embracing Trials to Achieve Virtue and Strength in Faith9:31 Balancing Physical and Spiritual Strength Against Life's Challenges12:50 Delayed Consequences and Human Decision-Making15:26 Overcoming Sin and Building Virtue Through Divine Grace18:25 Navigating Spiritual Growth Through Consolations and Desolations21:42 Strategies for Resisting Desolation in Spiritual Practices23:41 Renouncing Negative Thoughts Through Faith and Prayer26:09 Harnessing Divine Help for Spiritual and Psychological Challenges31:36 Overcoming Trauma Through Faith and Scripture40:13 Combating Temptation Through Scripture and Spiritual IdentityKey Takeaways:Rule 7 of Ignatius’s guidelines provides strategies for overcoming spiritual desolation by recognizing and resisting negative influences with divine help.Feelings of weakness during desolation are opportunities to reinforce one's faith, leveraging God’s unwavering presence, even when it is not felt.Practical steps include using renunciations to counteract lies and distractions, replacing them with scripture-based truths and prayer to invite divine assistance.The episode highlights a robust interaction between faith and psychology, illustrating how spiritual teachings can support mental health and emotional well-being.Ignatian spirituality draws deeply from biblical teachings, offering time-tested strategies for personal and spiritual growth.

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  43:37
• Fighting Back in Spiritual Desolation | Ignatian Rule 6 Explained

  When desolation strikes, don’t just endure—fight back. In this episode, Jordan and Dan Burke unpack Rule 6 of St. Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits, revealing how proactive prayer, meditation, and discipline can break the enemy’s grip.Resources Mentioned in this series:Immediate Action PlanHabitual Sin Course: Examination of ConscienceHoly Habits AppSeven Deadly SinsHidden FaultsFree Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsAvila Institute Class on Discernment of SpiritsFr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of SpiritsDans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of SpiritsTimestamp Summary:0:00 Series Continuation7:24 The Intersection of Faith, Psychology, and Spiritual Warfare12:51 Fighting Spiritual Desolation Through Prayer and Discernment18:56 Spiritual and Physical Fitness Require Consistent Training and Endurance22:18 Overcoming Spiritual Desolation Through Intense Prayer and DisciplineKey Takeaways:The importance of acknowledging and addressing the devil's influence in everyday spiritual life.Rule 6 from St. Ignatius' spiritual exercises urges intensified prayer and reflection during times of desolation.A call for integrating psychological understanding with supernatural faith to maintain spiritual health.The potential pitfalls of over-relying on secular psychology in spiritual matters.Strategies to combat spiritual desolation include increased prayer, meditation, and doing the opposite of what desolation tempts.

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