Live From Rest

In this powerful episode I talk to author, speaker and entrepreneur, Eric Sandor about navigating tragedy and suffering, which leads us to the age old question: where is God when it hurts? How does an all powerful and loving God allow his children to suffer. Does he really care? Eric shares his story of grief and pain and how he has found really comfort in knowing God. Eric explains how, despite it all, he can truly say "no weapon formed against me shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17). This is a longer episode than usual, but please stay with us, this is such a powerful testimony that will both move and bless you! Eric's website (where you can buy his book and also contact him): www.brightpointmedia.com www.davidstent.net #livefromrest @Eric_sandor

We're delighted to have Barry Adams join us once again. Barry, the author of 'The Father's Love Letter' explores how easy it is for us to miss the full extent of God's love for us due to the imperfections of our earthly parents. Enjoy more of Barry's teachings and resources at his websites: www.fatherheart.tv and www.fathersloveletter.com

In this podcast I reflect on the death of much loved doctor and TV presenter, Dr Michael Mosley earlier this year (June 2024) and how his death, alongside another related, tragic death, point us to the God who created our universe.Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God. #livefromrest #michaelmosley

In our first episode we sit down with spiritual directer Lucinda Smith to explore how we can practice a lifestyle of rest and stillness in a world that is so busy and distracted.

Enjoy this latest episode with musician and recovery champion Tom Phelan as we discuss the power of acceptance to transform our thinking. Many will know the serenity prayer that starts: "Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change". To actually accept rather than to fight those things that are beyond our control can be life changing! For any interested in recovery support via The KEYS Project, please ⁠click here⁠ #livefromrest #thekeysproject

Join us as I interview Bible scholar, conference speaker and author Mike Raiter to discuss the place for lament. All too often we Christians find ourselves wearing a mask and we'd do well to simply be real with God and pour out our hearts, in lament. #MikeRaiter #livefromrest

Join us for an insightful discussion around the need for us to know whether or not we are driven by the expectations of others as opposed to being secure in the love of God. Hear Barry Adams, the man who compiled the much loved 'Father's Love Letter' as he shares is perspectives, drawing from his own painful experiences. For more on Barry and to download 'The Father's Love Letter', visit: fathersloveletter.com or fatherheart.tv #livefromrest #fathersloveletter

For many, forgiveness may seem like a straightforward act (albeit often challenging). We often think it's something we do, or we don't. But in this conversation between Steve Smith and musician and recovery champion Tom Phelan, we consider significant other aspects to the forgiveness journey. Do join us! For our free download giving you the chapter on forgiveness from Lucinda's excellent book (The Red Thread), please go to: livefromrest.com/forgive #livefromrest

Steve Smith again interviews his son Joshua Luke Smith and in this episode discuss how if we are willing to embrace discomfort and even suffering, we are often released to live the life we always longed for. Do go to Josh's website on JoshuaLukeSmith.com and please also go to the LiveFromRest website on LiveFromRest.com where you can find links to download the app if you don't have it already. #livefromrest #joshualukesmith

In this podcast Steve Smith interviews friend and colleague, Tom Phelan. Tom works with Steve at The KEYS Project, helping men and women find lasting addiction freedom alongside faith in Jesus. Tom has his own recovery journey and explains that true recovery is more than possible! We encourage listeners, either with addiction issues themselves, or with loved ones struggling with addiction, to consider our Christian online recovery group which meets on Tuesdays at 7.30pm (UK time). Registration for this group can be done via thekeysproject.org #thekeysproject #livefromrest

We're back with a great new podcast discussion that's surely relevant to all - defeating digital distraction! How many of us wish we weren't quite so tied to our phones and devices? Join Dr. Steve Smith and his son, Joshua Luke Smith as they consider this vital topic together. Visit our website: livefromrest.com For more on Joshua Luke Smith go to: joshualukesmith.com #joshualukesmith #livefromrest #defeatdigitaldistraction

In this episode Steve and Lucinda Smith Psalm 121 ("I lift my eyes to the mountains") and question where we look to for help to get through the day. You can also view this episode on YouTube by visiting our channel: YouTube.com/livefromrest We trust you will find this encouraging and we also invite you to visit our website, livefromrest.com for more resources and encouragement, including links for our totally free Christian Meditation app.

We are proud to have released our first Live From Rest book, by Lucinda Smith, so please register to join us for our online launch this coming Saturday (9th April) https://theredthread_online_launch.eventbrite.co.uk In this episode Steve and Lucinda chat about the message of the book, finding out who we are as children, in the context of knowing God as Father, but also with the need to be aware of the schemes of the enemy of our souls. To find out more about Live From Rest and to get links to the App Store / Google Play to download our totally free and life-changing Christian Meditation app, please go to: https://www.livefromrest.com

Lucinda joins us again for part 2 in her 'knowing true contentment' series. Together we look at the life changing practice of gratitude. Peace and contentment IS available for us as followers of Jesus whatever our circumstances and this is accessed through being grateful for the goodness and love of God regardless of what life throws at us. We trust you will enjoy this episode. The Lord bless you as you join us. Find our totally free Christian meditation app along with numerous other free resources via our website: livefromrest.com

Is it possible for the follower of Jesus to know TRUE contentment? The apostle Paul clearly believed that there really is a secret to contentment (Phil. 4:10-13) and in this episode Lucinda joins Steve to discuss this truth, with reference to her recent blog.

In this episode we hear a great message of hope for any caught up in addiction, however severe, through the wonderful testimony of Scottish musician Steph Macleod. Steph has previously gone through extreme trauma which resulted in very severe addiction to alcohol and drugs. Yet, through his faith in Jesus, Steph has found true freedom and lasting recovery. I (Steve Smith) had the pleasure of interviewing Steph and I trust you will find his testimony inspiring. You can find Steph's music on all major music outlets and via his website: www.stephmacleod.com Please visit the Big Gig website www.thebiggig.uk to find out about the livestream fundraising concert (for KEYS Detox) on 4th December, featuring Steph Macleod.

The hymn "It is well with my soul" was written in 1873 by Horatio Spafford in the midst of immense tragedy. This short podcast is a reflection based on the hymn and an encouragement for us to focus on the incredible blessings of God, perhaps especially in our darkest moments. The Live From Rest App now has this hymn, sung by our good friend Paul Stock, in the 'songs' section. So if you have not done so already, download the app and be blessed by its totally free content. Visit www.livefromrest.com

In this episode, I interview Rachel Gardner who is well known to many in the UK, as a conference speaker and author. She is also the founder and director of 'The Romance Academy', a thriving organisation which seeks to help young people have a healthy and Biblical view of sex and relationships. I have the privilege of attending the same church as Rachel. I was very impressed with a talk she gave at church, during lockdown, on the implications of our God being 'relational' and was subsequently keen to ask her to share her thoughts on this podcast. If you want to hear the full talk she gave at Preston Minster, you can hear it here. This podcast is one of the ministries of Live From Rest. Please visit our website for our various totally free resources, including our popular Christian Meditation App. You may like to consider a small regular donation to support our work via our give page.

In this podcast Steve reflects firstly on the one thing that is most important for us to know as God's children, that our fundamental identity is that of a child of God. But secondly we consider how important it is that we continually 'turn' to continue in that knowledge as we so easily loose sight of it! Alongside this podcast, we encourage you to listen to our latest meditation which is on YouTube (as well as being on the Live From Rest app. After you've heard the podcast, please do play this video and subscribe to our YouTube channel! (YouTube #livefromrest )

John me (Steve Smith) in my Zoom interview with Nicky Gumbel (pioneer of Alpha and vicar of Holy Trinity Church Brompton, London) as we consider the challenge to “feed our faith” in dark times. Life will throw us all difficulties and for so many, these days of the pandemic have been so especially hard and dark. Yet, in the hardship, we can respond to the words of the prophet Habakkuk: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food.. yet I will rejoice in the Lord”

Joseph had a dilemma; was he going to believe Mary’s story (that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit)? Or would he listen to ‘reason’ and ‘common sense’. The dilemma Joseph faced was one that we all face at some time or other, so join us as Lucinda shares thoughts that will encourage and inspire you. Lucinda’s advent meditations are also available on the Live From Rest app, with all content completely free so visit the App Store or Google Play to get yours now!

Having exposed the lies we’ve been believing (see previous session), we can move on to be truly transformed by knowing the truth and living according to that truth. Please join us to hear more pearls of wisdom from Steve Buckland of Igniting Hope Ministries and Bethel Church, California. Listen to this podcast and determine whether you are a thermostat or a thermometer! For more from Steve Buckland, please visit his website: ignitinghope.com where you’ll find many great resources. In particular, we refer to ‘Steve’s Declarations’ in the podcast, which you can download here: ignitinghope.com/declarations

In this session, I am joined by Steve Backlund to discuss the subject of “lies” and how to expose them. Martin Luther King Jr. said this words: “Don’t tell me what you believe, show me what you do and I’ll tell you what you believe.” It’s all to easy for us to have good beliefs in our head that are in line with the word of God, but the reality of our life is something different. Let’s seek to expose the lies - that come from our spiritual adversary - so that we can focus instead on what God says and find hope! Steve Backlund is part of the team at Bethel Church in California and heads up “Igniting Hope” (see ignitinghope.com). Please visit his website for more information including many free resources.

We read in Isaiah 26:3 that God will grant "perfect peace" to the one whose mind is stayed on Him. What a promise! In this podcast we explore a few practical ways in which we can set our minds to truly experience the wonderful peace that God desires for each son and daughter. Part of the path to "perfect peace" is dwelling on God's truth. To help you in that, we encourage you to use "Live From Rest", our totally free Christian Meditation app. You can find the links to download it from either the App Store or Google Play here. Note that there is a new meditation on the app entitled "perfect peace" which is based on Isaiah 26:3.

Steve's wife Lucinda joins us again - this time to reflect on the issue of faith. Faith has been described as the currency of heaven and the Bible tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). But what is faith? Perhaps one of the biggest challenges that many of us have is to hear and respond to the seemingly very small call of God on our lives. We hope you are enjoying our free Christian meditation app. For a download link, please visit: livefromrest.com

In this episode Steve interviews well known Christian speaker and broadcaster Barry Adams. Barry is perhaps best known as the author of 'The Father's Love Letter' which has blessed literally millions of people around the globe. Barry joins Steve from Canada, via Zoom, to say a little about how we can all learn to experience the love of our Heavenly Father for ourselves. You can find our more about Barry and his teaching via his website: fatherheart.tv We are also blessed to have 'The Father's Love Letter' as a meditation on the Live From Rest App. To get a download link for this totally free Christian meditation app, visit: livefromrest.com

Steve Smith interviews his son Joshua Luke Smith (poet, musician and collaborator on the Live From Rest App). Together they explore the potential we ALL have to be free the from the stress that so many are experiencing in days of Coronavirus induced lockdown. If we learn to trust God for provision even 'as the land rests', we can be free from anxiety caused by our own apparent inability to provide at this time. It is truly liberating to see all that we have as a gift from God, rather than as a reward for our labours, especially in days of scarcity, or potential lack. In the interview Josh recommends "Every moment Holy" by Douglas McKelvey. For more on this visit: everymomentholy.com Find out more about Josh's music at: joshualukesmith.com

In these days of pandemic and global crisis, Steve Smith chats with Nicky Gumbel and together they explore how we can be ruled by faith rather than by the fear that is sadly gripping so many. Nicky Gumbel is well known internationally for pioneering 'Alpha', the course which has introduced Jesus to countless men and women across the world. He is the vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton, a well known London church which has planted numerous new churches across the UK and Nicky has also blessed the people of God with his daily Bible reading app "Bible in one year" (BiOY). Discover more about Nicky and his work at: htb.org and alpha.org If you do not already have the Live From Rest app, go to: livefromrest.com to find out more and to download the app.

Steve Smith shares some thoughts on the subject of being at peace despite walking through a valley. He includes something of his own experience, feeling able to trust God immediately before undergoing major surgery for prostate cancer as well as for other uncertainties. As we trust the promises of God, we can join David in saying ‘though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me’ (Psalm 23:6)

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of the Live From Rest podcast! In this episode I interview Kara Smith, singer with "Orphan No More" and one of the 'voices' on the Live From Rest app. We discuss the call of God on our lives to simply  'walk slow', rather than be caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, with the dangers of simply missing God in our busyness. We are delighted to have Kara sing her song 'Walk Slow' at the end of this recording and we have incorporated this song into a new meditation on the Live From Rest app (in the 'song' section). If you don't yet have the app, download it and enjoy all the content for free. Please visit: www.livefromrest.com for more information. If you are interested in connecting with Kara, especially if you would like to find out more about her 'Healthy Strong' ministry, please visit: www.healthystrong.org and you may also be interested in her online counselling service which you can access via www.soulsession.co

We are delighted to have Giles Lascelle - from "Trauma Breakthrough" - back with us. In this episode Giles and Steve discuss some of the practicalities, difficulties and misconceptions that there are around around the practice of Christian meditation. We also look at using the 'Jesus prayer' in our meditation times.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing American Author Heather Caliri (see www.heathercaliri.com) and in this episode, we hear Heather's perspective on the benefits of practicing of Sabbath, in particular in relation to overcoming anxiety. Heather has been regularly practicing Sabbath for over six years and in this interview we discuss the challenges of making Sabbath a sustainable discipline but at the same time the wonderful benefits that come as a result. You can find out more about Heather and her writings via her website (above) and via social media @heathercaliri You can also download her free eBook with a course to help overcome anxiety. In this podcast, Heather makes reference to two books that she has found very helpful in relation to practicing Sabbath. They are: 1) "An altar in the world" by Barbara Brown Taylor and 2) "Sabbath as resistance" by Walter Brueggermann.

Steve Smith sits with his son Joshua, one of the contributors to the Live From Rest app. Together, they discuss the challenge to simply abide in Jesus. With reference to John chapter 15 (in which Jesus states "I am the true vine"), Steve and Josh consider our need to be “connected’. But unfortunately,, so much of our energy, these days, is put into connecting into the digital world. We do have a need to be connected and it is really so much better to meet that need through abiding in Jesus. And along the way, let’s seriously consider the place of our phones in this challenge!

Lucinda and Steve Smith discuss the difficult issue of forgiveness. It is often so hard for us to forgive, yet to do so is necessary for our freedom and for us to truly be able to live from a place of rest. We consider the spiritual component to forgiveness that applies to all of us. We also look at the place of forgiveness in achieving better mental health and some practical advice in the matter.

James encourages us, in the first chapter of his letter, to consider it joy when we encounter various trials. But is that really possible? In this episode, hosted by Steve Smith, Lucinda (Steve’s wife) joins us again to consider this question. Both Steve and Lucinda reflect on how their own faith has benefited from testing in the past. They both look at how ‘with the problem comes the provision’. Most often, the ‘provision’ is God Himself! If you haven’t already done so, please download our 'Live From Rest' app (see www.livefromerest.com), We have written a new meditation in the ‘specials’ section, entitled ‘Joy in trials’. This is available now in the Apple version of the app, and should appear very soon on the Android version. We trust you will find this helpful.

We’re delighted to have Steve’s Smith’s wife Lucinda joining us again for this episode, in which we look at the value in sometimes simply having a ‘rant’ with and even at God! It can be healthy for us to vocalise our frustrations and difficulties to Him. It is a part of being intimate and can enable us to move to a place of being able to hear back from God from a place of thanksgiving. We consider various people in the Bible - Martha, David and Habakkuk - who were able to move on after they’d first expressed their pain and frustration to God.

Hear now about the power of meditation in overcoming trauma and other forms of mental anguish. In this episode, Steve Smith interviews Giles Lascelle who shares powerfully about the healing power of meditation in relation to trauma. Giles is an ordained church minister and psychotherapist. He heads up an organisation called ‘Breakthrough’ (www.traumabreakthrough.org) which exists to support survivors of trauma, in particular childhood trauma. Giles - himself a trauma survivor - shares how the practice of meditation can be a powerful tool in helping people find lasting recovery. Giles draws from both his own personal journey as well as from his professional experience. Hear how “instead of being at the mercy of feelings, we can see them for what they are”. This practice is so liberating for those battling any form of negativity. In this respect, we encourage you to try our meditation “Noticing Thoughts” in the “mindful” section of our Live From Rest App, which is available as a free download on both the App Store and Google Play Store. Remember you can have a one month free trial of all the app’s meditations,

To "ruthlessly eliminate hurry" is a great encouragement from the late American Christian philosopher, Dallas Willard. So many of us want to respond, to eliminate "hurry" from our lives, yet it can be hard to succeed. Steve Smith explores the challenge in this episode and considers whether 'chronic busyness' is a perhaps a condition that some of us have that needs to be confronted.

Hear this weeks podcast in which Steve Smith looks at the battle for the mind. Each of us will face "storms" of various kinds in our lives. We know that because Jesus told us so in John 16, when he says: "In this world you WILL face troubles". But God gives us all that we need to both prepare for the storm and to weather it, which is what we consider in today's podcast. One important key, is preparation.

In today’s episode Steve and Lucinda Smith discuss one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves.. who am I? The apostle John tells us that, as believers, we have been given the right to become “children of God”, sons and daughters of the King of Heaven. It is, however, all to easy for us to miss this wonderful truth and, instead, somehow live our lives unnecessarily striving for the acceptance that is already ours.

In this short episode, Steve Smith (author of the Live From Rest app) shares some thoughts on the subject of gratitude and how this can be a path to real joy. As believers, we are encouraged to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5) and to follow this encouragement is likely to result in good mental well being. Steve contsiders evidence from various studies and writings, suggesting that gratitude may be an antidote to anxiety and depression. The 'practice of gratitude' is something that he hopes to start prescribing in his own clinical practice as a physician, specialising in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction.

This episode, entitled ‘Sabbath part 2’ again features Joshua Luke Smith who shares further thoughts on Sabbath. If possible, listen to episode 5 (Sabbath part 1) first as this episode follows on very well from the previous one. Joshua again shares some very helpful insights, this time exploring the concept of a ‘Sabbath of the mind’ to take us through every moment of every day. Joshua is one of the contributors of Live From Rest. He is an accomplished musician, poet and church leader. Joshua also heads up ‘Orphan No More’, a community producing great worship music which is available on all platforms.

This episode, hosted by Steve Smith, features Steve's son Joshua who shares some really helpful insights on the subject of "sabbath". Joshua is one of the contributors for the Live From Rest App. He is a poet, musician and church leader, as well as heading up 'Orphan No More Collective' which is an artistic community producing truly great worship music. Having an understanding of sabbath and the importance of rest is vital to us all. Enjoy this episode after which you'll looking forward to Part 2, which comes out next week!

This episode, hosted by Steve Smith and featuring his amazing wife Lucinda, concludes a four part series of short talks on the vital subject of rest. This week we hear how living from and being in a place of rest thwarts the devils tactics. Our enemy seeks to have us living frazzled lives, but we have a much better option!

Lucinda Smith shares her thoughts on rest being a matter of faith. How we can choose, through faith, to be in a place of rest regardless of our circumstances.

In our second episode we explore how we can live from rest, despite the busyness and chaos of life around us.

In our first episode we sit down with spiritual directer Lucinda Smith to explore how we can practice a lifestyle of rest and stillness in a world that is so busy and distracted.