Women Encouraged

In today's episode, Bethany talks with Katie Faris about her book He Will Be Enough: How God Takes You By the Hand Through Your Hardest Days. Listen in to this conversation as Bethany and Katie discuss the Faris's story of running to the Lord as they faced a difficult diagnosis in their children and how the Lord has met them and been trustworthy in the mist of pain and trials.Support the show

Author Christina Fox joins Bethany in today's episode to discuss her newest book "Like Our Father" and chat about how we can look to our Father in Heaven's example to shape our parenting. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this devotional episode, Bethany discusses how God's comfort for us is sufficient because His word and promises are sufficient. In the midst of any and all suffering, we can know that not only does Christ share his comfort with us (2 Corinthians 1:3-11), we serve the God who resurrects! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

By God's grace, we're back with another season to share with you! Today's episode is a conversation with author and blogger Tim Challies on "Means of Grace". God initiates and establishes a relationship with His people but how does he maintain the relationship and nourish it? And what ought our responses and responsibilities be in view of God's initiation and care for this relationship? What are some different views of means of grace and some common misunderstandings about this topic? Bethany talks with Tim about these topics, and he tells us about his newest book, Knowing and Enjoying God.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, Abigail Dodds joins Bethany to talk about the importance of good theology for Christian women. Abigail and Bethany discuss differences between complementarian and egalitarian theology as it relates to our understanding of who God is, what it means to be a Titus 2 woman, and so much more. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Writer and Bible teacher Nana Dolce joins Bethany on the podcast to talk about what it means to be good theologians and how important it is to be conscious of our theology as mothers. As Christian women, our mothering does not begin and end with us. It begins with knowing and believing the one true God, loving him, and parenting out of the overflow of what he has done in our hearts. We're praying this episode encourages you to consider the impact of your theology on your mothering.Please note: we apologize for the sound issues with this episode. Unfortunately, Bethany's mic did not pick up properly, but we hope the content is still a blessing to you. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Joanna Kimbrel and Stephanie Boyle of the Daily Grace Co. Podcast join Bethany to talk about how we should be readers and students of the word of God. They discuss how our theology informs our Bible reading and whether we read scripture in a God-centered or a self-centered way. Joanna and Stephanie also share some tips for both new and seasoned readers for becoming more faithful readers of the Word.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Ruth Chou Simons joins Bethany to talk about how our beliefs about God impact the way we love our neighbor. She and Bethany discuss the biblical definition of love, the importance of engaging in Christian fellowship, and how we should practice repentance and forgiveness in our relationships.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Pastor Mark Jones, author of "Living for God," joins Bethany on the podcast to kick off our series on the importance of good theology in every area of our lives. This conversation centers on what Christians mean when we talk about doctrine and theology, and how what we believe about God shapes the way we live.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Laura Klassen, founder of Choice 42, joins the show to talk with Bethany about her work sharing the hard truth with women about abortion. Our prayer is that this conversation with Laura will encourage you to be fearless as you love others well by speaking God’s truth, and as you speak up on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

We're wrapping up our Matters of the Heart series with this conversation with Lindsey Tollefson. She shares her own story of how the Lord has taught her patience and worked in her life while she has waited for him. She also helps us to correct common misconceptions about patience and talks about some specific Scriptures that encourage our hearts to cling to God's character while we wait for Him. Lindsey also answers specific questions from some listeners about patience and she offers all of us excellent and practical encouragement for whatever season we're in.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Chelsea Stanley joins Bethany for a conversation about why we can be sure God is trustworthy, and how being sure of God's faithfulness also enables us to trust other people. Chelsea also offers insight into how a relationship can be rebuilt after trust has been broken.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Katie Westenberg joins the show to talk about her book I Choose Brave and what it truly means to fear God and embrace holy courage. She and Bethany also discuss why it’s so dangerous for us to adopt a worldly definition of courage and why Christian women are often pulled toward wanting to fit in and be acceptable to the world. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Alisa Childers joins Bethany for a conversation on doubt and unbelief. Alisa shares about her book Another Gospel, which tells the story of her encounter with progressive Christianity, and how that led to the deconstruction and eventual reconstruction of her faith. She and Bethany discuss the difference between doubt and unbelief, as well as how progressive Christianity falls short of the true gospel. Alisa’s message offers encouragement and hope for every Christian, but will especially minister to the Christian who is struggling to hold on to their faith, or who has a loved one in the process of deconstructing.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Lauren Washer joins Bethany for a conversation about keeping our hearts diligently. They discuss what this looks like in the Christian’s daily life and how Christ has modeled diligence for us in the way he lived. Lauren shares encouragement from the Scriptures for the woman who is questioning whether her work is pleasing to God, and for the one who feels too busy and overwhelmed to be diligent. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Bethany is joined by Courtney Reissig for a conversation about the Psalms. Courtney gives us an overview of the structure of the book of Psalms and the types of different Psalms, as well how they offer us encouragement and hope for every season of life. Courtney shares from her own experience how God has used the Psalms to uphold her during trials. She and Bethany discuss what the Psalms teach us about our emotions.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, Allie Beth Stuckey joins the show to talk about self love and her book You're Not Enough (And That's Okay). Allie shares why it's a liberating truth that we're not enough, and how to face our feelings biblically and determine whether they're valid. She shares vulnerably from her own story of trying to live in her own sufficiency and ultimately receiving the truth of God's grace and sufficiency for her. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode of our Matters of the Heart series, Abbey Wedgeworth joins Bethany today to talk about grief and loss and the importance of processing both through Scripture and understanding God's character. Abbey is the author of Held: 31 Biblical Reflections on God's Comfort and Care in the Sorrow of Miscarriage. This excellent resource walks you through Psalm 139 and helps you to center your heart on the truth of who God is and how he cares for you, helping you grieve with hope. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

We're kicking off this new season and our "Matters of the Heart" series with this conversation with Christine Hoover, talking about idolatry and allegiance to Christ. Christine shares about how idolatry is a heart issue and explains the wholehearted allegiance Jesus calls us to. Listen to hear her explain what it means to live for the kingdom of God versus the kingdom of self. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Today, author Betsy Childs Howard joins Bethany to talk about the value of forming our moral imagination through literature. Betsy explains what moral formation is and she has some wonderful insight that will help you consider your family's book and media choices (as well as your own). She also some encouragement to help you develop conversations with your children about what they're reading and how it's shaping them. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, Katie and Bethany finish up their "Asking for a Friend" conversation, discussing a couple of listeners' questions about the Enneagram and any concerns they have with this tool. They also answer a question from a listener about how to answer the issue of transgenderism from Scripture. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Awhile back, we invited listeners to participate in our "ask us anything" episode, which we’ve affectionately titled Asking for a Friend. We’ve decided to break up this episode into two shorter parts because one episode would have been too long. This week, Katie Morin and Bethany are sitting down to chat about the first few questions related to what we’ve done during COVID and how the Lord has blessed us during this time. We also answer a listener’s request for Christian advice on how to navigate loneliness and feeling like an “outsider”.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, Haley Williams joins Bethany to talk about discerning between truth and lies in online voices and understanding the messaging of progressive Christianity. Haley shares a bit about what progressive Christianity is and the false teachings associated with it. She and Bethany discuss how we can be rooted firmly in Scripture, and share some practical ways to discern what is true and godly.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Christine Chappell, author of Help! My Teen is Depressed, joins Bethany for a conversation about how to give our kids true, biblical comfort when they’re hurting. This isn’t about empty platitudes or band-aid fixes, but rather acknowledging our children’s suffering while pointing them to the trustworthy and eternal promises of God. Christine and Bethany discuss how we should respond to our children in these situations, and take a look at the comfort God’s word offers.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Bethany is joined on the podcast this week by Lee Nienhuis, author of Countercultural Parenting: Building Character in a World of Compromise. Lee candidly recounts some of her own difficult experiences as a parent, and shares the wisdom she’s learned about raising children to walk in obedience to Christ. She and Bethany discuss the importance of modeling godliness to our children, how to respond when they fall into sin, and how we can support other parents.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, Melissa Kruger comes on the podcast to share about her newest book, Growing Together: Taking Mentoring Beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests. Melissa talks about the importance of mentoring, practical steps for getting started in a mentoring relationship, and some common pitfalls to guard against. She and Bethany discuss mentoring with an ultimate purpose in mind— the edification of the church and the glory of God.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, Bethany is joined by Glenna Marshall, author of Everyday Faithfulness: The Beauty of Ordinary Perseverance in a Demanding World (Crossway, 2020). Glenna shares about what faithfulness looks like in our normal, daily lives, and how we can grow in spiritual maturity. She and Bethany discuss the importance of spiritual discipline, faithfulness in difficult times, and what some common barriers are to living a faithful life.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, Bethany is joined by author Tilly Dillehay to talk about food and what the Christian’s attitude towards it should be. Tilly shares biblical truth that teaches us how we can bring glory to God in what we eat. She and Bethany discuss dealing with guilt and shame, glorifying God in what we eat, and how hospitality can build the kingdom of God.Tilly's book Broken Bread: How to Stop Using Food and Fear to Fill Spiritual Hunger is available for pre-order now (it will be released June 2, 2020). Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

This week's episode is a powerful and moving testimony of God's unfailing goodness in the midst of an incredible trial. Bethany is joined by writer and speaker Kelly Streiff to talk about trusting in God’s goodness when life is hard. Kelly shares about how after the unexpected loss of her first child, she learned what it meant to trust God for who He is, rather than just what He can do for us. She and Bethany discuss having faith in the midst of trials, understanding the character of God, and how God works in the midst of our pain.This episode is brought to you by Hope*Writers, an online community of working writers dedicated to the success and creativity of each member. Find out more at hopewriters.com/womenencouraged.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Megan Hill, author and editor for TGC, joins Bethany to talk about her book A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church. Megan shares the importance of growing as a believer in Jesus in the context of His church and how our identity is uniquely connected to the body of Christ.This episode is brought to you by Hope*Writers, an online community of working writers dedicated to the success and creativity of each member. Find out more at hopewriters.com/womenencouraged.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, Bethany and her husband Alex sit down with Jeff and Sarah Walton to talk about their new book, Together Through the Storms. Speaking from their own experience, the Waltons share biblical encouragement to help couples to strengthen their marriage during times of trial. The Waltons discuss the role of suffering in the Christian life, and how we ought to respond to it as believers. For both the married and the single, this is a message that both challenges and encourages the Christian to live with an heavenly perspective.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Today, I’m talking with Summer Jaeger about the topic of feminism. We hit a variety of topics related to this worldview, including legalism, faithfulness, Bible reading, agreeing with God, and cultivating discussion about hard topics with our friends. Summer is a great encouragement to us to be living for God’s approval and to evaluate all things through Scripture. You can check out her show Sheologians wherever you listen to podcasts. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

What is the goal of vulnerability for a Christian woman? What do we do with our shame? And how do we look at these in relation to finding belonging? In this episode, I sit down with WE team member Katie Morin to talk about these topics from a Christian perspective. We discuss some of the problems with the worldview and answers offered to us by a popular writer and researcher, and talk about how the gospel answers those problematic solutions. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In today's episode, Bible teacher and author Nancy Guthrie shares about her newest book, Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus (Crossway, 2020). We discuss some of the things God is teaching us about His generous grace through a few particular people in Jesus' story highlighted in her book. Nancy answers for us some ways we might grow by learning more about these people and some warnings we should heed. We also discuss encouragement we can receive as believers in Jesus from these accounts in Scripture. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, Pastor Bo Cogbill talks with Bethany about sin and forgiveness and the truths Pastor Bo covers here with us are things we as believers in Christ need to be reminded of over and over. Bo discusses specifically what sin is, dealing with feelings of guilt, how Christians should be thinking about sin, our identity now, confession, and the Father’s heart for us. Bo has so much encouragement for you in this episode and we are praying it will be a blessing to you. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Author and podcaster Danielle Hitchen is back on the show to talk with me about Jesus, broken bodies, and Lent. Even though I recorded this conversation with Danielle before COVID19 became a pandemic, it’s not lost on us that as we get nearer to Good Friday and Easter, we are in the midst of something that is daily confronting us with the way sin brings brokenness, disease, and death. I’m grateful for this chance to share this conversation with Danielle and think together about the importance of our bodies, why Jesus coming and being physically present with and for us matters, and how we can talk with our children about their bodies.This episode is made possible by donations from friends of the show (like you). Supporters through Patreon have access to the full content of the last WE conference talks, the opportunity to help us choose upcoming content, monthly supporter video chats and more! You can find out about how to support the show at our Patreon page.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Jasmine Holmes joins the show today to talk about understanding our identity from a Scriptural perspective as well as dealing with expectations and people-pleasing. We love this conversation and how Jasmine points us to God's Word as our authority to evaluate the different voices and opinions in our lives. You can find Jasmine on Facebook and Instagram, as well as at her website. Thank you so much for listening and for sharing the WE podcast with your friends!Did you know? Women Encouraged is made possible through friends of the show (like you). You can find out about becoming a supporter of the podcast and the other work we do at our Patreon page. For as little as $5-10 per month, your financial support gives you access to conference recordings, the opportunity to vote on content, monthly video hang-outs, and participation in our upcoming "ask us anything" episodes.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Jen Oshman joins the show today to talk about the good news that we're not enough - but Jesus is! Today, we talk about why the philosophy of you're enough is failing us, how to identify me-centered practices and relationship with God's word, what repentance looks like, and how Jesus demonstrates true joy for us. Jen recently wrote the book Enough About Me: Finding Lasting Joy in the Age of Self (Crossway, 2020). She is a clear communicator and you will definitely want multiple copies of this book on your shelf: one for yourself and several to give away to your friends. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Today, we have a slightly different style of a show for you because we’re giving you a little taste of the content from our latest Women Encouraged conference in the Portland, Oregon area. If you’re a longtime listener you might already know that WE started as a women’s conference, and in fact, the reason we originally started the podcast was to share great teaching with women in our community. At the end of the episode, Bethany shares about a new way to support the Women Encouraged podcast, the goals we have going forward, and the benefits of being a patron - which include access to the full content of the talks we highlighted today. Thanks for listening! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Author Trillia Newbell joins Bethany to discuss how we should think about beauty and our bodies from a biblical perspective. They discuss how the gospel changes our view of our bodies, and the necessity of reflecting Christ's beauty. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Today, Christina Fox joins the podcast to share on the topic of Christian friendship. Christina and Bethany talk about how friendships within the Church are developed, how they're different from other relationships, some thought patterns we should avoid, and the gospel purpose that our friendships really have. Editor's note: There are a few technical issues on our guest's end. We apologize for some of the sound quality in this episode, but we think you'll be greatly encouraged by what Christina has to share! Thank you for listening!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

On today's episode, Amy Gannett joins the show to discuss what discipleship is, why it matters, and some of the misconceptions or misunderstandings we might have about it. Amy's course, Daily Disciple-Making is a "no-frills guide to discipleship relationships", co-taught by several other Bible teachers and authors. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In today's episode, Dr. Kathryn Butler (Katie) joins the show to discuss how Christians should view life and death and medical intervention with a gospel-centered perspective. Her book Between Life and Death: A Gospel-Centered Guide to End-of-Life Medical Care is incredibly helpful and insightful. We're grateful for this conversation about modern medical practices, the differences between preserving life and prolonging death, physician-assisted suicide, and what Christians need to know in order to wisely make decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

It’s a joy to welcome pastor and author Costi Hinn to the show today. Costi's passion is to preach the gospel and serve the church and he wrote the book God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel for that purpose. Today, Costi answers some key questions about what the prosperity gospel looks like, whether it's a true gospel, and how to talk about it with fellow Christians. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

We're back for another cycle of episodes and so thrilled to be sharing this episode with you! Abby Hutto joins Bethany to talk about some of the ways God the Father demonstrates His heart for us through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Abby shares about how studying the gospel of John changed how she saw God's intention toward her and awakened her to what her invisible Father is like. Abby's message (and her book God for Us) is poignant and thought-provoking. She and Bethany talk about how God fixes our broken lenses with the truth of His word and how He uses Christian community to help correct our vision so we can truly see what He is like. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Today, author Rosaria Butterfield joins me to talk about reaching out to members of the LGBTQ community. We discuss how we can talk about, with, and minister to them in ways that are honoring to the Lord and faithful to Scripture. She also talks about the power of simple, faithful acts like opening our homes to our unbelieving neighbors and demonstrating the love of Christ to them with our lives. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Today, Tony Reinke joins me to talk about parenting in the digital age. Tony is author of the books 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You, and Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age. Our discussion covers questions like how is parenting in our digital age different from past generations, what kind of protective limits are wise, and how can we teach our children about the importance of connection and relationships, when we’re all being tempted to connect through a screen? If this episode is a blessing to you, we'd be so thankful if you'd subscribe to the podcast and give us a rating and review. These help us to continue to reach more women with encouragement and gospel hope, and share biblical perspectives on the topics we cover.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Today, I’m talking with Katie Guiliano, artist and founder of Hosanna Revival. Her business is devoted to helping women engage in Scripture by creating beautiful and intentional tools for their lives. Today, Katie shares the story of how she was led to share the beauty of God’s word with women all around the world. We also talk about practicing perseverance in dry seasons, and encouraging one another to make the most of our giftings and opportunitites. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, I’m talking with college-age student Katherine Forster about her book Transformed by Truth and her passion to help teens know that the Bible transforms them. Katherine shares why teens can’t put off engaging in Scripture until later in life and explains the fallacies in thinking that they’re too young to be changed and shaped by the word of God. If you have teens, I’d love to welcome them to listen along with you, because I really think Katherine’s encouragement today is for us all. And if you’re not a parent of teens, you’ll still be blessed and challenged to engage in discipling teens in your church and social circles. Let’s get started!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

In this episode, I’m welcoming back to the podcast, Lydia Brownback to talk about her book, Flourish: How the Love of Christ Frees Us from Self-Focus. This book deals with so many of the shapes that self-focus takes and we discuss a few of them, including self-improvement, self-analysis, and self-condemnation. We also discuss discipleship and community in light of this topic and how we can encourage one another to be freed from focusing on ourselves, rather than Christ and what He’s done for us.We're so glad Lydia joined the podcast again, and even more excited to welcome her to come speak at our Women Encouraged conference in Western Canada on April 17-18, 2020. Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook to stay up-to-date with the details on that event! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)

Today I’m joined by Bible study author Asheritah Ciuciu. Asheritah has such a heart to encourage women to pursue and form the habit of Scripture study and she has so many helpful tips for those of us who struggle to build a habit of being in the word. Asheritah’s newest book, Bible and Breakfast, releases on October 10th and it’s not just a Bible study book – it’s actually packed with gorgeous, delicious recipes for breakfast and ideas to help you look forward to your mornings. Today, Asheritah and I talk about some of the methods of study and reading that have helped her as a young mom and ways we can encourage one another to stay in the word and abide in Christ. We’re praying this will spark some ideas and excitement for you as you build your own Bible habit or refresh the one you have – and also consider how you can connect with women in your own area to encourage one another to stay in the word. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/womenencouraged)