Refine Podcast

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:5-6

New Blog Post https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2022/07/24/it-wont-always-be-this-way/ "For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things." Psalm 81: 10

A prayer from Psalm 80:1-3 NLT "Please listen, Our Shepherd. Lead us like a flock. You are enthroned above the cherubim. Display your radiant glory. Show us your mighty power. Come and rescue us! Turn us again to yourself, O God of Heaven's Armies. Make your face shine down upon us, and we will be safe." Connect with me! @chelseymcguire2 on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode: Jennie Allen's Book Find Your People Group Discussion questions from if: table Connect with me! @chelseymcguire2 on Instagram

Some lessons are hard to learn, like when to let go of something good! This episode wraps up the Refine Podcast for now. Thank you for listening! “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians‬ ‭3:20-21‬

When God's plan seems to lead to a dead end, we can trust that he will make a way for us. Consider the story of the Israelites at the Red Sea. As we walk in obedience, he will lead us to victory! “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” Exodus‬ ‭13:21-22‬ Reflection Questions https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2021/06/18/episode-22-pillar-of-fire/ Connect with me! @chelseymcguire2 on Instagram

Welcome back to Season 2 of the Refine Podcast! We are kicking off a with a new theme, exploring the topic of "faith in the fire." Today we will look at the story of Moses and the burning bush from Exodus 1-3. "Then the LORD told [Moses], 'I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them...'" Exodus 3:7-8 Reflection Questions https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2021/04/21/episode-21-comfort-through-fire/ Connect with me! @chelseymcguire2 on Instagram

For this final episode of Season 1, we will turn our eyes to Jesus's example of humility. He walked each day in submission to the will of the Father. When we do the same, our lives will be marked with good fruit and the evidence of God's work. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'” Jeremiah 29:11-13 Mike Bickle's FELLOWSHIP Prayer Guide https://willowchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/10-Prayers-to-Strengthen-the-inner-man.pdf For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2021/01/26/episode-20-jesus-was-humble/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

Are you lacking joy heading into the week of Christmas? When we remember the grace God extends to us through Jesus, we will find the joy we are missing! “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭ Rachel Jankovic Instagram Post https://www.instagram.com/p/CIlTkvgheV3/?igshid=3q60yntxjbum For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/12/18/19-god-is-gracious-joy-to-the-world/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

I'm pretty sure most people agree these next few weeks are the most exciting of the year. For Christians, they hold a different kind of anticipation. I love the season of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, when the church looks forward to Jesus's return. Let get into Scripture together these next few weeks and remember the great love God has for his people. “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10 30 Day Bible Overview bit.ly/30daybible For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/11/29/episode-18-god-is-loving/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

If 2020 has tossed you like a hurricane, take heart! You're not alone. I am with you, and we have a God who is reigning over every detail of our lives. We can trust that he has us taken care of. “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:1-3 “In The Whisper” by Christy Nockels https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6O1On6gsP8 For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/11/11/17-god-is-sovereign/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

After a long break, I am so happy to be back on the podcast! My family has been in a season of transition, and it has certainly challenged my faith. How grateful I am that God is patient with me as I learn to trust him more! “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm‬ ‭23:5-6‬ ‭ The Next Right Thing: Episode 138 https://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/the-next-right-thing/138/ For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/10/19/episode-16-god-is-patient/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

We could all use more beauty in our lives. What if that beauty is already inside us? God has given us talents to bring beauty to life, just like he does every day. “And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by you hand.” Isaiah 64:8 “Beautiful Things” by Gungor https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oyPBtExE4W0 For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/08/12/episode-15-god-is-creative/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

Whether we realize it or not, more than anything else, our souls crave God because he alone is supremely satisfying. May we find time, especially in this season of added stress, to slow down and listen to what our hearts are crying out for. “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:1-2 For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/07/25/episode-14-god-is-satisfying/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

Everyone gets lonely sometimes. Some people feel lonely a lot of the time. I'm grateful to know the God who is everywhere, with us all the time. “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139:9-10‬ ‭ John Freeman's video https://youtu.be/uAhS6t79EGs For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/07/16/episode-13-god-is-omnipresent/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

Today is a special day for us-- our 8th wedding anniversary! To celebrate, here's another conversation with my hubby Sean. We talk about our kids a lot, the term “scarcity mindset,” and how we see God leading us this week. "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:7 Conversation Starters: 1. What's the best podcast episode you've listened to lately? 2. What have you learned from a child this week? 3. Tell me about some of your hidden talents. 4. Can we talk about the term “scarcity mindset” and how that impacts our lives? 5. What's one useful thing you've discovered this week? 6. What is God calling you to this week? Or what is he teaching you this week? Links: Faith Angle: Ross Douthat and Lyman Stone https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ross-douthat-and-lyman-stone-on-american-religiosity/id1456632968?i=1000479314317 That Sounds Fun: Annie F. Downs and Mike Kelsey https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-sounds-fun-with-annie-f-downs/id944925529?i=1000474943534 The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy https://www.target.com/p/the-boy-the-mole-the-fox-and-the-horse-by-charlie-mackesy-hardcover/-/A-76539822 Looking for more about Sean? Checkout http://revseanmcguire.com/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

Being a slight perfectionist, I really hate making mistakes. But I am so thankful that God is gracious and extends his grace to us. Then we don't have to be defined by our mistakes anymore. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah‬ ‭53:5‬ ‭ Christy Nockels “Joy Pours Out” https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dwK8DE2niLQ For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/07/04/episode-11-god-is-gracious/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

God is active in our lives in ways we cannot see. Invisible forces are also at work around us, but we don't have to run and hide. Instead we can pray for each other and see how the Lord comes through for his people! “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 For a transcript of this episode, including the intercessory prayer, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/episode-10-god-is-at-work/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

After such good feedback about my first conversation with Sean, we've decided to chat more frequently! Here's “The McGuires LIVE!” Hopefully this will be the first of many. There won't be a transcript of this episode, but if you'd like to snag our questions and have some meaningful conversations of your own, follow the link below! “And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.' He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.'” Luke‬ ‭19:39-40‬ ‭ For conversation starters from this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/episode-10-the-mcguires-live/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

With all that's going on in the news, it's hard to quiet all the voices sometimes. But what our souls desperately need is to connect with God every day. He alone is worthy of our worship, so let's give him the attention he deserves. “In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'” Revelation‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭ Trillia Newbell's Instagram Post https://www.instagram.com/p/CBRXeTHpAJI/?igshid=1ourajc22shlh The Screwtape Letters https://www.christianbook.com/the-screwtape-letters-c-s-lewis/9780060652937/pd/52934 For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/06/17/episode-08-god-is-worthy/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

In a world calling for change, we can rely on our Redeemer who makes all things new. He will change our hearts and lives, and he will redeem this broken world. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 Hannah Anderson's book All That's Good https://www.moodypublishers.com/books/current-issues/all-thats-good/ Journeywomen Podcast Episode 74: The Will of God with Jen Wilkin https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journeywomen/id1244331156?i=1000422323084 For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/06/06/episode-07-jesus-is-the-redeemer/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

Hooray for the first episode in my “Friends Matter” series! Friends have a big impact on our spiritual lives, so I am going to interview some of my real life friends and share our conversations with you. In this first episode, I chat with my husband, Sean McGuire. “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins … But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved…” Ephesians 2:1, 4-5 For links and highlights from this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/05/31/episode-06-a-conversation-with-sean-mcguire/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2 Want to hear more from Sean? Follow his blog at http://revseanmcguire.com/

“I know God is good, but can I really trust him?” I wrestled with that thought for years. The answer is a resounding YES! And when we learn to trust God, we have more hope. “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19-20 Lysa TerKeurst's book It's Not Supposed To Be This Way https://www.p31bookstore.com/products/instbtw For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/05/24/episode-05-god-is-trustworthy/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

We all walk through various kinds of suffering. How should we handle the stress? Let's follow Jesus' example and give all our worries and cares to God. “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'” Matthew‬ ‭16:24‬ For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/05/16/episode-04-jesus-was-brave/ For BONUS material on being present, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/05/16/bonus-material-be-present/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2 Links from this episode: Hannah Anderson's book All That's Good https://www.moodypublishers.com/books/current-issues/all-thats-good/ One Minute Pause app https://www.pauseapp.com

It's graduation time again, but all the big events have been cancelled. So let's celebrate with the Class of 2020 and think about what plans God might have for our lives! “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 This episode is dedicated to my brother who graduates this year with his MBA. For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/05/10/episode-03-seek-the-lord-a-celebration-of-graduation/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

Here's some really good news—the brokenness of this world is limited, and God's goodness is eternal! Let's practice maintaining an eternal perspective as we face the challenges of today. “Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4 Check out some BONUS material on the topic of "God's curse" at https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/bonus-material-gods-curse-in-romans-820/ For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/episode-02-god-is-eternal/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

At times it may feel like God is far away, but today's episode reminds us that we can draw near to the throne of grace anytime. Jesus cares about all that we have going on in our lives, and he is always ready to hear from us. “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/episode-01-jesus-cares-for-you/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2

Whether you are well-acquainted with Jesus or just starting to explore your faith, the Refine Podcast is here to encourage you along the way. My goal is to help refine our understanding of who God is and be refined by his work in our lives. In each episode, I'll focus on one facet of God's character and offer an application to live in the joy he brings. Together we will consider Scripture and our every day experiences to see how God is revealing himself around us. Growing is hard to do alone, so listen in while you drive to work, fold the laundry, or take a jog, and let's follow Jesus better together. For a transcript of this episode, visit https://refinepodcast.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/refine-podcast-intro/ Looking for more about me? Find me on Instagram! @chelseymcguire2