POPULARITY
19 episodes with Alpha course
4 episodes with Alpha course
9 episodes with Alpha course
4 episodes with Alpha course
3 episodes with Alpha course
5 episodes with Alpha course
2 episodes with Alpha course
2 episodes with Alpha course
4 episodes with Alpha course
Chris Hall joins Stephanie Rousselle to reflect on the practice of delighting in God, especially during life's later chapters or grief-laden season. The conversation weaves through wisdom gained in the “winter of life,” the significance of gratitude, and the centrality of God's relational nature.Chris Hall begins by honestly discussing aging, recognizing the “gift of years,” and learning acceptance—particularly of life's inherent limitations and future partings. Acceptance, he says, is not resignation, but a posture of gratitude and detachment from what's fleeting, allowing deeper attachment to what matters most: God's loving presence and the relationships He's given us.Daily, Chris Hall and his wife pray, focusing on thankfulness. Even in uncertainty or suffering—as exemplified by their grandson with Down syndrome—gratitude centers their hearts on God's mercy. “Lord, have mercy” becomes a foundational prayer, acknowledging deep dependence and God's persistent goodness.The journey hasn't always been simple. Chris Hall shares that, particularly through experiences as a deputy coroner and witnessing immense suffering in places like Los Angeles, Calcutta, and Rwanda, he's grappled with whether God is truly good. Encountering pain and tragedy forced honest questions: “Are you good or not?” But with time and spiritual wrestling, he's emerged with a hard-won conviction of God's steadfastness.In today's culture, delight is often confused with self-focus—“you have to love yourself first.” Chris Hall counters this, insisting that genuine delight is secondary, a “byproduct” of being drawn out of ourselves by something beautiful (the character of God, deep friendships, acts of love). This self-forgetfulness mirrors the Trinity—God's relational essence—and is central to spiritual formation.Using friendship as an example, Chris Hall speaks of the deep grief that attends the loss of his best friend—grief is the “tax we pay for loving.” Yet, grief and joy are intertwined. The richness of a 50-year friendship is the soil from which delight blooms; our relationships (rooted in God's relational nature) are the stage for both love and loss.For anyone struggling to delight in God, Chris Hall gently advises: “Lead with beauty.” Recognize the goodness around you—even in small ways. Beauty draws us out of our self-absorption into a posture of wonder, gratitude, and worship. He encourages practices like meditating on the Psalms and savoring passages from John's, Romans, and Hebrews to nourish this vision.Delight in God is neither sentimental nor shallow—it's a mature joy forged in gratitude, beauty, courage, and faithfulness through all seasons. It invites us to accept limitations, let go of self-preoccupation, and savor God's goodness, even amidst suffering. As Chris Hall and Stephanie Rousselle remind us, delight is tasted, seen, and deeply known—not chased for its own sake, but discovered in God Himself.MORE ABOUT "AWAKEN DELIGHT" BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in Godreshapes sufferingquiets restless strivinganchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of youLearning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightDISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call: "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
Today's episode of Gospel Spice, centered on the launch of "Awaken Delight," is a timely exploration of the Christian experience of suffering. Stephanie combines personal vulnerability—sharing excerpts from her new book about living with chronic pain and deep questions—with biblical wisdom on how hardship fits into our walk with God.In suffering, God does not abandon; he lovingly prunes and allows thorns for our growth. The path to deeper faith, humility, and delight in God runs directly through honest wrestling with pain—and leads to true spiritual fruitfulness.Christians often wonder: If I am serving God, why do I suffer? Is suffering a sign of God's displeasure or my failure? Stephanie shares that Christians who suffer yet trust God often appear as if they're not suffering—because they refuse let suffering have the final word.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive, in-depth 10-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of deep pruning from God's hand: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 454. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Just as fig trees need hard soil to bear fruit, Christians grow most deeply in spiritually tough conditions. Comfort produces "leaves without fruit," but hardship develops true character and delight in God.In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul's incredible spiritual experiences led God to allow him a "thorn"—not as punishment, but to keep him humble and dependent on God. Paul's journey shows that deep suffering is not proof of failure or sin, but God's purposeful investment in our transformation.In John 15, Jesus says that healthy, fruitful branches are the ones pruned by the Gardener (God), so they'll bear even more fruit. Pruning feels like loss or reduction but is God re-focusing our lives on what truly matters.Pruning is when God removes something from our lives. It is the elimination of even good things for us to be more fruitful and focused. By contrast, thorns are when God allows painful weaknesses or situations to remain. These serve a specific, humbling, and formative purpose. Both types invite deeper dependence on God.We misunderstand suffering when we see it as divine punishment. Biblical teaching says it's part of God's commitment to us—not against us, but for us. The goal is not mere improvement, but transformation—making us more like Christ."Faith" is not something we muster by willpower, but a posture rooted in humility: recognizing our need for God and opening ourselves to His work. Humility is both the soil in which faith grows and the fruit that results from faith.Christ was not merely "pruned"—he was "cut off" entirely for our sake, taking on the ultimate suffering so we would never face it alone. Now, even our suffering is transformed by his presence and purpose.Practical ApplicationWhen hardship comes, instead of merely asking "Why me?" or "How can I escape this?", ask "What is God showing me?" and "How can I delight in Him through this?"Choose to see suffering not as a sign of God's absence, but as the attentive hand of the Gardener who loves and invests in us.Remain in Christ—even weak connection is connection, and transformation is always worth the pain.Reflective action: Next time you face loss or pain, remember the lessons of pruning and thorns. Ask God to help you trust His restorative, purposeful hand, and seek delight in Him above all.We are in the middle of our “Awaken Delight” series, based on Stephanie's new book. Each week, we explore a different facet of what makes delight in God difficult and challenging. How can we live the reality of Psalm 37:4 when life is hard? "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call: "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It's a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God' goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It's a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you're interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com **Together, let's encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie Rousselle welcomes returning guests Andi Ashworth and Charlie Peacock for a reflective and practical exploration of what it means to delight in God—especially in the ordinary and difficult seasons of life.Delighting in God is a daily discipline rooted in noticing, gratitude, humility, and relational engagement. Andi Ashworth and Charlie Peacock illustrate that wonder and joy can be found at “the molecular level” of life, as we learn to see reality with the eyes of heaven.Cultivating delight in God starts with intentional attention—slowing down to observe and appreciate even the small gifts in daily life. Andi Ashworth describes how, after a busy season promoting their book, she cultivated a new practice: sitting quietly in her small perennial garden, reading Scripture, praying, and simply noticing the details of creation—birdsong, blooming flowers, the work of bees. Over time, this intentional noticing awakened deeper gratitude and joy in the presence of God, even as life's hardships persisted.Delight is a daily practice, a choice to “step into reality” and seek God's presence even in suffering. This deliberate practice transforms pain into moments of worship and gratitude. Charlie Peacock shares that delight in God is not dependent on favorable circumstances or feelings of happiness. Suffering—including his chronic headache of nearly ten years—taught him to seek and experience God's presence regardless of pain. He emphasizes that true delight must be able to exist within difficulty, or it is not truly delight.Intimacy and delight with God are relational and participatory. God invites us to pursue Him, and as we do, He meets us. Sometimes we wait passively for God to manifest delight, and other times we strive to create it in our own strength. In reality, pursuing delight is a “dance”—God initiates and leads, but we must actively respond and show up, especially when delight seems elusive.Hardships, while unwelcome, often become ministers of grace, rooting us in humility and expanding our capacity for love and presence. Through chronic pain and other challenges, both Andi Ashworth and Charlie Peacock have experienced God's grace and a deepening humility. Charlie Peacock notes how his “thorn” limits self-reliance and ambition, drawing him toward greater dependence on Christ and shaping him into Christ's likeness. Andi Ashworth observes that their limitations have expanded their hearts and increased their compassion for others.Never outgrow asking your good Father for small joys. Delight in God blossoms in those who cultivate grateful, attentive hearts. Both guests encourage maintaining childlike wonder and gratitude—even for small blessings like a hot shower, a well-timed parking space, or serendipitous tickets to an event. These moments, prayed for and received as gifts, reinforce God's goodness and nearness.Practices to Foster DelightStart each day with gratitude for basic abilities and provisions.Notice small joys—in nature, family, daily routines—and thank God specifically.Pray about “matters of mutual concern”: what matters to God, matters to us.Accept and embrace limitations as invitations to deeper dependence and presence.Reflection question: What small gift might God be inviting you to notice—and delight in—today? MORE ABOUT "AWAKEN DELIGHT" BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in Godreshapes sufferingquiets restless strivinganchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of youLearning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightDISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call: "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It's a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God' goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It's a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you're interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com **Together, let's encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Deep suffering and the felt absence of God are not signs of weak faith, but invitations to deeper trust, raw honesty, and the formation of roots that will later sustain delight when the next “spring” arrives. This week, Stephanie centers on understanding Christian suffering, especially in seasons when God feels absent, and explores how to trust Christ in the midst of pain, grief, and confusion.We are in the middle of our “Awaken Delight” series, based on Stephanie's new book. Each week, we explore a different facet of what makes delight in God difficult and challenging. How can we live the reality of Psalm 37:4 when life is hard? "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of pain and suffering: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 452. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.This week, Stephanie invites us to examine the nature of suffering from a Christian perspective. She addresses different types of pain—physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual—and affirms that suffering is a universal human experience. She shares several composite stories:Thomas: Endures chronic physical pain, wrestling with why healing hasn't come but continues to pray and trust that God is enough.Aisha: Struggles against spiritual oppression and insomnia, clinging to God's promises despite not sensing His presence.Dan: Faces depression and spiritual dryness, with faith persisting stubbornly beneath the surface.Margaret: Grieves the loss of her spouse, finding grace in small mercies.Javier: Suffers the pain of family estrangement, daily choosing forgiveness and hope for reconciliation.We are encouraged to identify with these stories and realize we are not alone.Common Experiences in Christian Suffering1. Feeling MisunderstoodSufferers often receive shallow platitudes from others—such as “God's got this” or “Count it all joy”—which, while technically true, are often hurtful when mistimed. Suffering Christians primarily need presence, not slogans.2. Emotional FluctuationSuffering brings emotional unpredictability—peace and panic, gratitude and anger. These ups and downs do not mean spiritual instability; rather, they are normal human responses.3. Seeking Comfort, Not ExplanationAlthough initial pain leads us to search for answers, comfort is ultimately found not in reasons but in the Shepherd's presence.4. Holding Both Faith and AnguishMature Christian suffering means affirming both God's goodness and the reality of pain simultaneously; raw, honest prayers replace polished formulas.5. Reduced Religious PerformanceSuffering eradicates concern for spiritual image. Depth in Scripture reading grows—not in breadth, but as a lifeline, especially in Psalms, Job, and the story of Jesus' suffering.6. The Role of LamentLament becomes covenant communication: honest complaints, questions, and cries are not signs of weak faith but of depth and intimacy.While suffering may sometimes result from sin, it is not always the case. Discernment and the Holy Spirit's clear conviction are key. Vague guilt and general feelings of punishment are not from God; His conviction is always specific.When God seems silent, it's not proof He has abandoned us. Moments of suffering can be where He works most deeply, just as the cross felt like God's greatest absence but was His greatest act of love. Faith in suffering is not the absence of questions, lament, or feeling lost, but the commitment to remain with God—even if only weakly.Practical Lessons1. Pray honestly and directly, not just politely.2. Resist withdrawal from God and community.3. Remember: God's commitment is final and irreversible—even when you cannot sense Him.4. Trust His heart even when you cannot see His hand.DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call: "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It's a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God' goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It's a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you're interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com **Together, let's encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie Rousselle and her guest Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith explore what it truly means to delight in God, moving the focus from external circumstances and religious duties to genuine intimacy and spiritual maturation. This conversation around Stephanie's new book, Awaken Delight (IVP, July 2026), calls us to a deeper, more resilient delight in God, rooted in relationship, practiced in community, and modeled perfectly by Jesus. As we will see together, delighting in God means choosing intimacy and noticing His presence, especially in hardship. It requires intentional practice, honest wrestling, and learning from Scripture. Together, we will discuss how our identity is rooted not in performance but in receiving God's boundless love. As disciples, we are called to move from spiritual infancy to mature faith, just as Jesus perfectly role-models for us.Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J Find out more about all the ways you can awaken your delight in God: https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightHere are some notes about the conversation:Defining Delighting in GodSaundra Dalton Smith describes delighting in God as akin to the joy and pleasure we feel towards something we love—a sunset, a flower, or even a brownie. Delighting in God means taking pleasure not just in what He does, but in who He is. It is enjoying His presence, intimacy, and communion. Saundra says, “How do I allow myself to take pleasure in who he is, not what he's doing … but him specifically?”Practicing Delight Amidst Life's Highs and LowsTrue delight in God requires ongoing practice. Our human instinct focuses on obtaining and receiving, but spiritual maturity redirects our gaze to God as the source rather than the resource. Saundra shares that practicing delight in God on good days builds the muscle to notice His presence even during difficult moments, such as when children misbehave or pets get sick—recognizing God's gifts even in hardships strengthens our relationship with Him.Interpreting Hardship Through God's LensWhen challenges arise, Scripture invites us to “rejoice in suffering.” Instead of forcing joy over the hardships themselves, Saundra advises finding joy in knowing God is with us (“the fourth man in the fire”). Practicing noticing God equips us to see His goodness regardless of circumstances.Biblical Foundation and Fresh PerspectiveAnchoring in Scripture provides strength. For example, Psalm 23's phrasing “goodness and mercy shall follow me” becomes richer when understood as “pursue”—God's love relentlessly seeks us. Reading familiar passages with fresh eyes allows the Word of God to “read” us and unearth deeper truths and areas for healing.The Importance of CommunityStephanie and Saundra emphasize the necessity of authentic Christian community. Vulnerability with trusted believers helps us remember God's goodness when we struggle. Without community, isolation can make us susceptible to discouragement and lies about our worth and God's love.Identity: Receiving God's LoveThe foundational truth is, “the only thing God desires of you is you.” Our worthiness isn't dependent on accomplishments but on accepting God's love. Saundra says, “If I never did another thing other than be a recipient of his love, that's all he required.”Spiritual Maturation: Wrestling and RestThe journey toward delighting in God isn't effortless—it's a wrestling, much like Jacob's biblical encounter. Honest communication with God (“Help my unbelief”) leads to healing and new identity, reframing our lives through deeper intimacy.Countercultural Faith and Jesus as Role ModelCulture often romanticizes Christianity, but real maturity comes from moving beyond the honeymoon phase into resilient faith. Jesus exemplifies delight in the Father—through learning, obedience, miracles, and suffering. For “the joy set before him,” He endured the cross, modeling love for God and people.RESOURCESWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J Find out more about all the ways you can awaken your delight in God: https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call: "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It's a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God' goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It's a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you're interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com **Together, let's encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie welcomes Os Guinness again to explore what has made America unique in its freedom and what threatens that legacy today. They examine foundational principles, historical roots, the virtues necessary for sustaining freedom, and the challenges now facing the American experiment.America's greatness rests not only on its achievements but on its founding principles. Os Guinness stresses that neither contemporary political movements nor leaders have answered the vital question: What made America great in the first place?To steward freedom, each generation must understand, embody, and transmit the foundational ideas and virtues that made the American experiment possible. The Republic's survival—and America's blessing to the world—hangs on recovering this covenant vision.The American republic was never intended to be a pure democracy; the framers deliberately moved away from direct rule by majority, fearing the dangers of unchecked popular power. Its distinctive structure draws from ancient Hebrew ideas, especially the Exodus and Deuteronomy, rooting political liberty in biblical covenant rather than secular philosophy.Os Guinness highlights that America is “…a nation by intention and by ideas.” It means at least that:Societies must begin by shaping principles before policies; neglecting foundational ideas leads to losing the core of freedom.The American Revolution's most-cited book was Deuteronomy, not Locke or Montesquieu—emphasizing spiritual over philosophical freedom.Modern political discourse overwhelmingly focuses on policies rather than underlying principles, missing the root causes of freedom's decline.The sustainability of freedom relies on what Os Guinness calls the "Golden Triangle":Freedom requires virtueVirtue requires faithFaith requires freedomAbandoning any side of this triangle causes freedom to wither. In recent times, American society has widely dismissed the importance of virtue, attacked faith, and misunderstands freedom's true foundation. Authoritarian societies depend on fear. Free societies depend on trust, built on shared morals and character.Several virtues are essential for sustaining freedom, including:Freedom: Modeled on God's own restraint, granting humanity genuine free will.Reciprocity: Mutual responsibility and equality; its neglect enabled the tragedy of slavery.Civility: Respectful public discourse grounded in truth—now degraded in contemporary society.Morality: Freedom is a "moral accomplishment." Public life requires both the rule of law and private character; otherwise, legal structures become weapons for power rather than justice.Fidelity: The conscious passing of identity and purpose to the next generation. Education and storytelling sustain freedom.Guinness cautions that America's crisis is not only external (the "wolves at the door") but internal—moral decay ("the termites in the floor") is often the greater danger.Failure to transmit and sustain these virtues can render America's freedom a "byword" rather than a "city on a hill". As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, the Republic is at a tipping point.However, Os Guinness grounds hope in the power and truth of the biblical heritage that birthed American freedom. For example,Reform and recovery are possible if Americans reembrace the core virtues and principles from Scripture.Christians, in particular, have a calling to model and advocate for these truths, showing society the way back to lasting freedom.The lesson for Christian and freedom-loving citizens is clear: freedom is not inevitable or self-perpetuating. It requires gratitude for its biblical roots, courage to exemplify truth, virtue, and responsibility, and commitment to pass these on. As Os Guinness says, our hope lies not in political maneuvering but in recovering the profound, transformative truths of the Bible as the wellspring of true liberty.MORE ABOUT OS' LATEST BOOK, "A FREEDOM LIKE NO OTHER"To renew America, we must remember what made it great in the first place.Across the ages, republics have been lost not only to enemies without, but to corrosion within. Free societies are rare. Lasting free societies are rarer still. So, what are the prospects for the American republic at the 250th anniversary of the revolution? Many citizens long to “make America great again,” but far fewer ask the deeper question: What made America great in the first place—and what kind of freedom can last? What does it mean that half a century of cultural conflict, ideological polarization, and unprincipled power has left Americans fractured, disillusioned, and tempted by extremes of chaos on one side and control on the other? And what happens when the older menace of tyranny is joined by the newer challenge of artificial intelligence—magnifying the forces that weaken truth, character, and self-government?In A Freedom Like No Other, Os Guinness offers not another round of outrage from left or right, but a constructive path forward—twelve foundational principles for restoring the Republic and renewing ordered liberty. The third in a quartet of studies on the crisis of America and the West (following Our Civilizational Moment and America Agonistes), this book is a foreign admirer's call for America's semiquincentennial to be more than celebration: a time of honest self-examination, needed correction, and national rededication. Drawing on America's Jewish and Christian roots and the covenantal vision of freedom and responsibility that shaped the Republic at its best, Guinness sets out the moral and civic architecture a free people must recover if they are to remain fit to be free.This is a book for every American who believes freedom is worth the cost, and for anyone around the world who knows the alternatives and longs for a human-friendly future.Purchase today here: https://a.co/d/06XUZLbK DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call: "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It's a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God' goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It's a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you're interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com **Together, let's encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie welcomes her dear friend Erica Wiggenhorn for a transparent, encouraging conversation about what it means to delight in God. Drawing from personal experiences, Scripture, and practical examples, they explore how all believers can experience and sustain joy in the Lord—even through difficult seasons.Stephanie, when pondering this conversation, took away these key points to remember:Delight is not limited to profound spiritual moments; it can be awakened in ordinary, beautiful encounters with God's world.Delight is sometimes borrowed from others, shared through community, creativity, and kindness to oneself during dry seasons.God uses even our hardest experiences as a foundation for authentic delight and hope, especially as we support each other.Getting the Word into us daily is not just a duty—it's the ongoing source of delight and transformation.Delight is rooted not in our performance but in Christ's finished work and the Father's unchanging love.Here's more from this conversation:Delighting in God doesn't require deep theological expertise or perfection. Instead, it's woven into everyday life and accessible to everyone. Erica describes experiences from her childhood at the beach—watching children squeal with joy as they run into the waves, or observing baby whales playing for the first time—highlighting how witnessing God's creation leads her heart to delight in Him.Life isn't always easy. Erica is honest about facing times when delight in God seems distant—whether due to discouragement, struggles, or the pressures of daily life. She insists it's a common, human experience and gives listeners permission to acknowledge seasons where faith feels routine or strained. She offers three practical helps for regaining delight:Music – Worship songs often “tear down the walls” of her heart and renew her connection with God.Movement – Getting outside and moving, especially in sunshine, lifts her spirit.Community – Sharing experiences with others, and especially seeing God through the delight in someone else's eyes, reignites her own joy.Erica shares personally about parenting wayward children and organizing resources for others in similar struggles. She teaches that as we surrender our pain to God, He uses it for deeper purpose—serving others and discovering fresh delight through His redeeming work. Community and expectancy in God's goodness anchor us during heartbreak. For more details about the MOMentum conference, see below.Scripture is the chief wellspring of delight. We get to know God, experience His love, and gain new joy through His Word. Erica encourages varied approaches—listening to the Bible, studying alone or with others, or combining the Word with creative activities. The important thing is to absorb Scripture in the way that fits how God has wired you.In Isaiah 61:10, God dresses us in garments of salvation as a beloved bride. Erica reminds listeners that while we may struggle with shame or self-critique, God sees us beautifully in Christ. We don't earn His delight; we receive it as a gift by simply approaching Him.If you struggle to believe God delights in you, print a picture of a radiant bride and declare, “This is me in the eyes of my King.” Ask Him for faith to accept His joy over you.MORE ABOUT THE MOMENTUM CONFERENCE, JANUARY 29-31 2027, PHOENIX, AZYour child is going their own way, in a direction you would never choose, leading to disruption and separation in your relationship.But what if you found a new pathway for connection, where you could both move forward, together?The Momentum Conference provides a safe place to rest, remember you're not alone and receive tools and perspective empowering you to stand strong in faith and pursue healthy connection with your child.God is for you, for your family — and together we can cling to His promises and find hope.Details and tickets at https://ericawiggenhorn.com/momentum/ What is the Momentum Conference?Momentum is a Friday night through Sunday morning getaway with a balance of biblical teaching, practical help, group connection and time to pursue individual rest.The weekend schedule has been designed to lavish love, impart resources and provide hope to moms who are walking a hard road with their teens, young adult, or adult children.Freedom to pursue preferential activities provided by the resort promises a time of rejuvenation as well as a mental, emotional and spiritual reset."Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith:“Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content"I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky"Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
Success in the Christian life is not measured by relentless output, but by deep enjoyment and awe of God. The high-performer's journey is to move from striving to abiding, from anxious self-optimization to restful delight. This week, Stephanie challenges us to reconsider our definition of success: Will we dare to let our delight in God, and His delight in us, become our most treasured spiritual possession?Many Christians find themselves exhausted, seeking spirituality through constant effort rather than true joy. In our current series, Awaken Delight, we explore different ways that prevent us from living the reality of Psalm 37:4, Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.This week, we explore the dangers of "high-performance Christianity" and discover the invitation to redefine success by delighting in God rather than striving to impress Him.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are feeling weary and exhausted in your faith: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 448. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Let's be completely honest. Are you…Exhausted by trying to “feel” spiritual?Performing faith without real joy?Feeling unworthy despite consistent effort?Wondering if Psalm 37:4 really works?What if the problem isn't your faith, but the way you've been pursuing God? Delight isn't about effort; it's about learning how to receive God as your deepest joy.This isn't extra joy on Sundays. It's the foundation for deep delight in God which willstrengthen your prayer lifeprovide you with resilient peace,reframe your pain and suffering,transform your obedience into soul-satisfying joy.Many Christians become experts in prayer, service, and discipline but forget the joy of simple communion with God. This mindset measures spiritual health in terms of effort and accomplishment: “Did I pray enough? Did I do enough?”The Dangers:Spiritual Output over Relationship: Faith becomes a checklist of activities rather than a relationship rooted in love and delight.Performance Equals Worth: Feelings of worth rise and fall based on spiritual “productivity.” Rest becomes guilt-ridden and Sabbath feels inefficient.Comparisons and Insecurity: The high-performer compares their visible fruit to others', believing that more impact equals more favor from God.This mindset leads to spiritual dryness. High performers feel relationally undernourished: “Effective for God, but not really deeply at rest in God”. Growth is sought in results, but true spiritual maturity often appears slow, cyclical, and hidden. When setbacks arise, self-worth plummets, and failures feel catastrophic.At its core, this approach makes delight in God seem like a luxury reserved for the less “serious." But Scripture repeatedly calls delight foundational, not optional. "Delight in the Lord" is central — it deepens trust, strengthens endurance, and transforms work into worship.How do we shift from performance to delight? We must reorder our ambitions with God at the center. As Stephanie explains, “Your problem isn't that you're too serious, it's that you're too serious through the lens of a secular operating system”. The calling isn't to do less, but to let delight in God be the fuel, not the reward, of our efforts.Practical Steps:Identity Rooted in God's Delight: Our worth is anchored in God's unshakeable love, not our achievements.Work Flows from Delight: We work, rest, and strive not to prove ourselves, but out of the security that comes from being loved by God.Resilient Obedience: Obedience is rooted in delight, not desperation; failure or success does not shake our identity.Delighting in God is not just an emotion—it is a chosen, steady confidence that allows us to pursue excellence without fear. When rooted in God's love, ambition becomes resilient, setbacks less threatening, and rest becomes restorative. As Stephanie encourages, “Taste and see that the Lord is good”. This call is an invitation into a secure, unshakeable identity and delight —the true measure of success."Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith:“Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content"I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky"Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
Delighting in God is not another task for your spiritual to-do list—it is a dynamic, relational response to His presence and beauty. Author, Bible teacher and Conference host Jennifer Rothschild joins Stephanie to talk about true delight as awakened by God Himself within us, rather than achieved through personal effort or performance.Jennifer has kindly written the foreword to Stephanie's new book, Awaken Delight: Satisfying your soul's longing for God (IVP, July 2026).Ready to order Stephanie's book? Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt More about the book at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in Godreshapes sufferingquiets restless strivinganchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of youLearning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.We have chosen to celebrate the message of Awaken Delight by partnering with a private donor to donate up to $7,000 to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking (see list on our partners page). The final amount depends, among others, on Sales. Because delighting in God is also hands-on action.https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt MORE ABOUT THIS CONVERSATIONDelighting in God is not another task for your spiritual to-do list—it is a dynamic, relational response to His presence and beauty. Author, Bible teacher and Conference host Jennifer Rothschild joins Stephanie to talk about true delight as awakened by God Himself within us, rather than achieved through personal effort or performance. Together today they explore:the difference between delighting in God as duty versus delight as Spirit-awakened response.how experiencing God's presence turns ordinary moments into opportunities for delight.practical ways to cultivate awareness of God's activity in everyday life.the role of suffering in awakening deeper delight and intimacy with God.how worship, community, and nature reflect God's delight and invite our response.Delighting in God is both the fruit and evidence of a heart attuned to His presence and beauty. It's not manufactured, but awakened by the Spirit, often through worship, community, and even suffering. The invitation is to participate in this “sing along” of relationship, responding to God's delight over us—not because we are perfect, but because we are His.Jennifer Rothschild emphasizes moving delight in God off the "to-do list" and seeing it as a response—“it's not a duty, it's a response.” Authentic delight arises from an “awareness of His presence,” not from striving to manufacture feelings or perform. Recognizing that God's nearness itself is the catalyst for delight.Examples such as listening to birdsong became moments of delight for Jennifer because she trained her mind and heart to recognize God as the giver of all beauty. This “mental paradigm and heart posture” means seeing evidence of God in everyday experiences—a child's laughter, the taste of good food, or the beauty of creation.Delight in God can only be truly awakened by God's own Spirit in us—not conjured by human effort. Stephanie explains why her new book is titled “Awaken Delight,” highlighting that Christians delight in God because God births that desire in us through the Holy Spirit.God delights to partner with us—not as servants under command, but as beloved children invited into relationship. Our small acts of trust and faith, like a grandchild's shy art offering, delight God the way a grandparent delights in a child's offering.Jesus embodies God's delight—at His baptism, before any miracles or ministry, the Father declared delight in Him simply because He was His Son. Our delight is rooted in being “in Christ,” not in achievements.Surprisingly, suffering can be the crucible that awakens delight. Jennifer unpacks Paul's words about “delighting in weakness”, explaining that it means recognizing God's good even in hardship—a perspective shift empowered by Christ.Practical Steps to Awaken Your Delight of God todayMeditate on a single verse all day to listen for God's living word in everyday reality.Attribute every beautiful or joyful experience back to God as the source.Engage worship by savoring every word as a direct offering to God.When struggling, turn “worship” into prayer—ask God to awaken the truth of the words in your hear.FIND OUT MORE ABOUT “AWAKEN DELIGHT” BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in Godreshapes sufferingquiets restless strivinganchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of youLearning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.We have chosen to celebrate the message of Awaken Delight by partnering with a private donor to donate up to $7,000 to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking (see list on our partners page). The final amount depends, among others, on Sales. Because delighting in God is also hands-on action.https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JENNIFER ROTHSCHILD“It is well with my soul.” For Jennifer Rothschild, these words are much more than the lyrics from a familiar hymn; they describe how she lives her life … in the dark.At the age of fifteen, Jennifer was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative eye disease that would eventually steal her sight. It was more than a turning point for the Miami, Florida native. Her dreams of becoming an artist and cartoonist faded. Words and music have replaced her canvas and palette for more than 30 years.As an author and speaker, Jennifer is known for her substance, signature wit, and down-to-earth style. A unique mix of profound and playful, she weaves biblical truth with relatable stories, making God's Word accessible to those just starting out in Scripture and endearing to those who have walked with Christ for years.Jennifer has been a featured speaker for the nation's largest conference for women, Women of Faith. She's also been on the platform with Women of Joy, Lifeway Women Live, and Extraordinary Women. Since 2018, She's hosted the popular 4:13 Podcast where she provides weekly biblical wisdom and practical encouragement to help women live the “I Can” life of Philippians 4:13.She is the author of 20 books and Bible studies with combined sales over one million units, including the latest video-based Bible study, Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight and the best-selling book, Lessons I Learned in the Dark.Jennifer has been featured on The Today Show, Dr. Phil, ABC's Good Morning America, and the Billy Graham Television Special, plus other national TV and radio programs including Hour of Power, Life Today, Family Life Radio, and others. Her life story and message has been the cover story of numerous national publications including Today's Christian Woman, Virtue magazine, Becoming Family magazine, HomeLife magazine, and others.Jennifer is also the founder and host of Fresh Grounded Faith events and the womensministry.net Leadership Library, which equips women in ministry to lead well. She lives in Springfield, Missouri with her husband of over 35 years, Dr. Philip Rothschild. Jennifer is a boy mom, C.S. Lewis junkie, an obsessive audio book listener, a dark chocolate lover, a strong coffee drinker, and an avid encourager.https://www.jenniferrothschild.com/ "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith:“Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content"I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky"Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It's a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God' goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It's a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you're interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com **Together, let's encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!In this brand-new series centered around Stephanie's new book, we explore several ways that we lose and can recover our delight in God, rooted in His delight of us. Today, in this first episode in our series, Stephanie explores spiritual fatigue in faithful believers and guides us toward God's invitation to restoration, not just endurance.What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb? Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself. You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."If you're spiritually weary, your fatigue does not prove you're far from God. You're invited to rest in the truth that delight begins by receiving God's delight over you. Come honestly, bring your tired self, and let God awaken delight in your soul again. Your greatest need is not more pressure, but more permission to rest and be restored as His beloved.Many mature Christians find themselves exhausted, faithfully serving God while inwardly feeling emotionally distant. Obedience becomes duty, prayer is reduced to quick requests or guilty silence, and Scripture feels like data instead of bread. Outwardly, they are strong—teaching, leading, serving—yet inside, numbness, irritability, and spiritual dehydration prevail.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are feeling weary and exhausted in your faith: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 446. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Key Symptoms | When Weariness Overtakes Christians—Rediscovering Delight as God's BelovedDuty without delight;Spiritual dryness, despite regular disciplines;Resentment towards expectations and responsibilities;Prayers and scripture reading that feel obligatory, not life-giving.Spiritual depletion rarely stems from bad theology or outright rebellion. Instead, it often results from:Years of faithful overextension;Ignored grief or disappointment;Trying to do more and more to compensate for the sense of lost delight;Living off “old oil”—past experiences with God, not present intimacy;Feeling that delight and intimacy with God are for someone else, perhaps just for earlier seasons.Weariness emerges when we serve God from muscle memory, not fresh encounter, or confuse emotional invulnerability with spiritual maturity.The temptation is to force spiritual disciplines, tightening up routines, and demanding more from ourselves. But a weary Christian doesn't lack discipline. Oftentimes, we lack receptivity. More striving usually deepens the exhaustion and guilt, rather than reviving joy.Instead of seeking restoration, weary believers mistakenly try to manufacture delight by moral strain or performance, but delight is not manufactured by moral strain.The path back is not correction but replenishment. Stephanie urges us to “come nearer, slower, truer,” rather than to “try harder”. Restoration means:Honest lament and silence before God;Allowing ourselves to be ministered to;Sabbath, rest, and simplicity in spiritual practice;Confessing not just sin, but exhaustion, disappointment, and overextension;Even our ache for God is proof that love is alive in us, not that faith has died. Jesus doesn't just forgive; He invites the weary to come to Him for rest.Ultimately, our delight in God is rooted in His delight in us. Before time began, God chose to love and delight in His people, even at great cost to Himself through the cross. Our identity is found not in our ministry, productivity, or others' approval, but in God's unwavering, delighted gaze."Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith:“Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content"I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky"Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
Today we're talking about something that's become very familiar in churches all over the world—Alpha, or, the Alpha Course. On the surface, Alpha looks simple enough. It's friendly. It's relational. But as believers, we're not just called to ask, “Does this feel welcoming?” We're called to ask, “Is this faithful to the Word of God?” […]
คอลัมน์ “สดแต่เช้า”ปีที่6(ตอนที่38)แบบอย่างแห่งความถ่อมตัว!“โมเสสเป็นคนถ่อมใจยิ่งกว่าคนทั้งหมดบนพื้นแผ่นดิน”~กันดารวิถี 12:3 THSV11“Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.”~Numbers 12:3 NIVพระคัมภีร์เปิดเผยว่า โมเสสเป็นคนที่ถ่อมใจยิ่งกว่าคนทั้งหมดบนแผ่นดิน!ในการประชุมระดับโลก “Leadership Conference 26"ผมนั่งฟัง Nicky Gumbe(Nicholas Glyn Paul Gumbel)ผู้พัฒนาthe Alpha Course อันโด่งดัง สัมภาษณ์พระคาร์ดินัล Luis Antonio "Chito" Tagle ชาวฟิลิปปินส์ ที่ได้รับการยอมรับอย่างสูง ในการเสนอชื่อเข้ารับการเลือกเป็นพระสันตะปาปา ในเรื่องชีวิตแห่งความถ่อมใจ ความเชื่อ และการเติบโตทางจิตวิญญาณน่าทึ่งมากที่ ท่านคาร์ดินัลเป็นผู้เชี่ยวชาญทั้งภาษาอังกฤษและอิตาลี สามารถอ่านภาษาสเปน ฝรั่งเศส เกาหลี จีน และละตินได้ ท่านเป็นพระคาร์ดินัลในปี 2012 และมีตำแหน่งมากมายพร้อมวุฒิปริญญาเอกนับไม่ถ้วนท่านดูแลผู้คนรวมกว่า 9 ล้านคน เป็นทั้งผู้ดำเนินรายการโทรทัศน์ จัดรายการแบ่งปันพระธรรม และประกอบพิธีมิสซาสิ่งที่คนทั้งหลายเห็นในตัวท่าน คือ ความเมตตา ความถ่อมตน ความเรียบง่าย และความซื่อตรง รวมถึงวิถีชีวิตที่สมถะ Nicky (นิกกี้) Gumbel กล่าวสนทนากับท่านว่า“ ตอนนี้ผมอายุ 70 ปีแล้ว และผมเคยเห็นหลายคนที่พอเริ่มได้รับสิ่งเหล่านี้มาความถ่อมตัวก็มักจะหายไปอย่างรวดเร็วแล้วท่านรักษาความอ่อนน้อมถ่อมตนไว้ได้อย่างไร ในท่ามกลางความสำเร็จทั้งหมดเหล่านี้ครับ?“พระคาร์ดินัล"Chito" ตอบว่า”ผมคิดว่าพื้นฐานของการรู้จักตนเองและแนวคิดเกี่ยวกับตนเอง เป็นคำตอบครับ หากผมซื่อสัตย์และเข้าใจตัวเองจริงๆ ผมก็ไม่มีเหตุผลอะไรที่จะหลงภูมิใจในตัวเองเลย เพราะสิ่งที่ผมทำสำเร็จได้นั้น ล้วนเป็นเพราะพรสวรรค์ที่พระเจ้าประทานให้ หากปราศจากพรเหล่านั้น และปราศจากความอดทนของพระเจ้าแล้วผมก็คงไม่มีโอกาสได้เรียนรู้เพื่อรับใช้ในแบบนี้ และผมยังตระหนักด้วยว่าคนอื่นๆต้องมีความอดทนกับผมด้วยมากแค่ไหน โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งพ่อแม่ของผม... ตัวผมนั้นเป็นเพียงผลผลิต ไม่ใช่เพราะความพยายามของผมเพียงอย่างเดียว แต่มาจากความพยายามร่วมกันของคนจำนวนมากที่เลี้ยงดูผมมา และแม้แต่คนที่เคยสงสัยในตัวผม ก็ยังให้โอกาสผม …ดังนั้น คำตอบก็คือการอยู่กับความจริงว่าตัวเราคือใคร ไม่ใช่ตัวตนในอุดมคติที่เราสร้างขึ้นมา ซึ่งบางครั้งเราอาจเผลอคิดว่าตัวตนที่สวยหรูนั้นคือตัวตนจริงๆ ของเรา ขอบคุณพระเจ้าที่พ่อแม่ของผมยังมีชีวิตอยู่ทั้งคู่ครับ ท่านทั้งสองอายุ 96 ปีแล้วคุณพ่อของผมป่วยบ่อย ท่านมักจะมองมาที่ผมแล้วพูดว่า "ลูกน่ะเหรออาร์ชบิชอป? ลูกก็แค่ลูกของพ่อ" ผมเกือบจะอยากบอกท่านว่า "พ่อครับ ช่วยสวดภาวนา(อธิษฐาน)ให้ผมหน่อยเถอะ" เราไม่รู้หรอกว่าความอ่อนน้อมมาจากไหน แต่มันดีที่มีคนคอยเตือนเราว่า ถึงจะมีตำแหน่งเป็นอาร์ชบิชอปหรือพระคาร์ดินัล แต่คุณก็ยังเป็นลูกของพวกเขา และคุณยังต้องเรียนรู้อยู่ตลอดเวลา!“นิกกี้ถามต่อไปว่า“ผมจำได้ว่าท่านเคยพูดว่า ‘ต้องไม่ยึดติดกับตัวเอง แต่ให้ยึดพระเยซูเป็นหลัก'แล้วเราจะยึดเหนี่ยวชีวิตเราไว้กับพระเยซูได้อย่างไรในโลกที่สั่นคลอนแบบนี้ครับ?”พระคาร์ดินัล Chito ตอบว่า“ชีวิตเราก็เหมือนการก่อสร้างที่ต้องการรากฐานครับ รากฐานนั้นคือที่มาของการตัดสินใจ ความฝัน และความหวังของเราถ้าเราไปยึดติดกับสิ่งของ ชื่อเสียง หรือใบปริญญา สิ่งเหล่านั้นมันไม่จีรังและจะทำให้เราไขว้เขว ในชีวิตประจำวัน เมื่อผมถูกดึงดูดให้ทำอะไรบางอย่างผมจะหยุดนิ่งแล้วถามตัวเองว่า'แรงจูงใจนี้มาจากไหน? และมันจะนำไปสู่จุดไหน?'การยึดเหนี่ยวในพระคริสต์จึงไม่ใช่เรื่องโรแมนติกเพ้อฝันแต่มันคือเรื่องที่ต้องทำจริงๆ ในทุกวันครับ!”กลับไปที่เรื่องของโมเสส พระคัมภีร์ไม่ได้ยกย่องโมเสส เพราะตำแหน่ง ชาติตระกูล ความสามารถ หรือความเก่งใดๆ แต่ยกย่องท่าน เพราะ “ความถ่อมใจ!”ของท่านเหตุการณ์เกิดขึ้นตอนที่มีเรียม และ อาโรน วิจารณ์โมเสสและพูดเชิงตั้งคำถามในเรื่องสิทธิอำนาจของท่านแต่สิ่งที่น่าประทับใจก็คือโมเสสไม่ได้โต้ตอบ ไม่แก้ตัว หรือไม่ปกป้องตัวเองเลยพระคัมภีร์จึงยกย่องว่าท่านเป็นคนที่ “ถ่อมใจที่สุด!”พี่น้องที่รัก 1.ขอให้เราเป็นแบบอย่างแห่งความถ่อมใจที่ดี 2.ขออย่าให้เราเสียเวลาไปกับการแสวงหาการยอมรับหรือการยกย่อง3.ขออย่าให้เราเอาแต่ปกป้องตัวเองจนมากเกินงาม แต่4.ขอให้เราเข้ามาใกล้พระเจ้า และ5.ขอพระเจ้าทรงช่วยให้เราเป็นคนถ่อมใจและถ่อมตัวมากขึ้นเหมือนดังคำกล่าวที่ว่า“ความถ่อมใจที่แท้จริง คือพลังที่ไม่ต้องพิสูจน์ตัวเอง!”(True humility is strength that doesn't need to defend itself.)…จะดีไหมครับ?………………………………ธงชัย ประดับชนานุรัตน์ 8พฤษภาคม2026(ตอนที่38ปีที่6) #YoutubeCJCONNECT#คริสตจักรแห่งความรัก#Churchoflove #ShareTheLoveForward #ChurchOfJoy #คริสตจักรแห่งความสุข#NimitmaiChristianChurch #คริสตจักรนิมิตใหม่ #ฮักกัยประเทศไทย #อัลฟ่า #หนึ่งล้านความดี#LC26 London
My story is not glamorous. But how can my simple, personal, Christ-centered testimony make any difference? Join us as we wrap up exploring the main topics of the Alpha Course.The sermon today is titled "How And Why Should I Tell Others?" This sermon is the tenth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 3:1-10 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on April 26, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under SERVE: Announcing the Kingdom.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):See the Alpha Course Guide for more.Thank you to Rick Atchley for sharing the story about Stanley Shipp and Milton Jones.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Dear Church, Greetings to you all!You can read a short blog preview for this podcast here and my message to Justin Welby and HTB is here.OUR STATEMENT & CONFESSION OF FAITH IS HERE.When Esther chapter 4 and verse 14 is used to encourage young people in large gatherings, how is it that church pastors often fall short?Esther was brought to the kingdom for such a time as she was; but she first had to repent from her cowardice and silence.Maranatha?
How does ChatGPT read the Bible? In this lesson, I ask AI to read Acts, and find a very similar reading to how I have understood the book all of my life. Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.The sermon today is titled "How Can I Become A Jesus Follower?" This sermon is the ninth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from Acts 16:25-34 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on Sunday, April 19, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Joyful Response.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):ChatGPTI'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
How can my future be better? What does repentance bring? How can the Spirit of God give me a brand new life? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.The sermon today is titled "How Can I Make The Most of the Rest of My Life?" This sermon is the seventh installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from Romans 12:1-2 and Titus 2:11-14 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under DISCOVER: A New Identity.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):See the Alpha Course Guide for more.Max Lucado, Six Hours One Friday.Tim Keller, "What Is The Gospel?" Sermon Sep 12, 2003.Frederic & Mary Ann Brussat, "Regarding Henry." Film Review.James Bryan Smith, The Good and Beautiful You.Tim Keller, Center Church.Sponge illustration: Monte Cox, "The Just Try Harder Heresy." Sermon.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Christians believe in the Resurrection. But did it happen? Let us assess 6 historical claims and reason to the best explanation. Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.The sermon today is titled "Did Jesus Rise?" This sermon is the seventh installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from John 20:1-9 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ and LEARN: Christian Doctrine.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):See the Alpha Course Guide for more.N. T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God (Fortress Press).For more on historical claims and the resurrection, see espeically William Lane Craig and Gary Habermas.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Evil is real. But what can be done about it? How can I resist it? Does it make a difference that the Holy Spirit lives within me? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.The sermon today is titled "How Can I Resist Evil?" This sermon is the sixth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from James 4:7-8 and 1 Peter 5:6-11 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on March 29, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Relinquishing Our Idols.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):See the Alpha Course Guide for more.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Does God really lead me? How do I know the Spirit is guiding me? Will He show me where to go, or will He go with me wherever I go? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.The sermon today is titled "How Can God Guide Me?" This sermon is the fifth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from Romans 8:14 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on March 22, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Faithful Presence.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):See the Alpha Course Guide for more.Randy Harris, "The Spirit: Revealing & Reminding." Lipscomb University, 2019.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
How can a normal person feel assurance? How can I know Jesus is my Savior, I am one with him, and the abundant life is truly mine? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.The sermon today is titled "How Can I Have Faith?" This sermon is the fourth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on March 8, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Dealing with Faith and Doubt.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):See the Alpha Course Guide for more.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Si's speaks in this episode with Nathan Guy. They first chat about Alpha, with Nathan outlining his role in running Youth Alpha in local schools as well as talking about our own Alpha course running on Thursday nights at The Boathouse. They go on to talk about baptism, sharing their stories and encouraging people to think about being baptised during our Easter Sunday service.
In a break from our 'Live the Revolution' series, and at the conclusion our most recent Alpha Course, we dedicate our Sunday Service to the subject of the Holy Spirit: Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? How can we be filled with the Holy Spirit? The Christian life is not just about faith in Jesus - who He is and what He has done. Putting our faith in Jesus is the vital first step. But the Holy Spirit is the one in whose dimension of life we go on to experience God throughout the rest of our lives. So without Him we have nothing. But with the power of the Spirit in our lives, we can live the fruitful, meaningful, joy-filled, empowered lives we were made for. By Ed Flint
Who would anyone want to kill Jesus? What is the historical answer? What is the theological answer? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.The sermon today is titled "Why Did Jesus Die?" This sermon is the third installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from Galatians 2:20 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on February 22, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):See the Alpha Course Guide for more.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Who Is Jesus Christ? Who is the Jesus of history? Who is the Jesus of the Gospels? Who is Jesus...to you? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.The sermon today is titled "Who Is Jesus?" This sermon is the second installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from John 6:35 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on February 15, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):See the Alpha Course Guide for more.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Varmt välkomna till Martinson Möter – en podcast producerad av fadderbarnsorganisationen Compassion.Dagens underbara gäst hade sitt liv prydligt uppställt i raka led. Utbildad vid Eton College. Skolad i juridik vid University of Cambridge. Blivande advokat. Och övertygad ateist – trygg i att kristendomen antingen var förlegad, missförstådd… eller bäst att hålla på säkert avstånd från.Sedan begick han ett ödesdigert misstag.Han plockade upp ett Nya testamente. Inte för att tro. Inte för att bli omvänd. Utan bara för att “kontrollera sanningshalten” och tillrättavisa några kompisar.Och allt gick, som man säger, fullständigt fel.Idag är han en av sin generations mest inflytelserika kristna ledare. En före detta advokat som aldrig riktigt nådde rättssalen - utan istället hamnade i kyrkan. Han blev kyrkoherde i Holy Trinity Brompton i London, där omkring 4 000 personer samlas varje söndag, och varifrån nya församlingar har planterats över hela landet. Någon tog uppenbarligen “fel” avfart - och fortsatte köra i exakt rätt riktning.Han är också arkitekten bakom Alpha Course - en tio veckor lång introduktion till kristen tro som över 38 miljoner människor världen över har gått, inklusive hundratusentals fångar. Ett stillsamt bevis på att ärliga frågor över en middag kan vara mer omvälvande än de flesta predikningar.Tillsammans med sin fru Pippa står han bakom "The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel" - en app som laddats ner av miljoner. Och trots allt detta bor han fortfarande i prästgård, cyklar runt i London, badar dagligen i Serpentine-sjön i Hyde Park och kallas kärleksfullt av sina kollegor för “Humble Gumbel” - vilket möjligen är ett av få smeknamn i kristenheten som faktiskt har överlevt.Alpha börjar inte med färdiga svar. Det börjar med mat, nyfikenhet och tillåtelsen att tvivla.I det här avsnittet av Martinson Möter får vi höra om Nickys dramatiska återupptäckt av sitt judiska arv - och om den stora familjehemlighet som följt honom sedan barndomen, efter att hans pappa lämnat Tyskland. Vi talar om nyfikenhet som trumfar visshet, om tro utan påtryckningar, och om varför livets största frågor fortfarande spelar roll - särskilt för dem som känner sig längst bort från kyrkan.Det är ett samtal om tvivel, tro och upptäckt. Om lyssnandets kraft. Och om en Gud som verkar betydligt mer intresserad av inbjudningar än av argument.Och Nickys tydliga svar på varför alla borde bli faddrar? Det är lika enkelt som det är utmanande.Så varmt välkomna till Martinson Möter - och ett extra varmt, något försenat men djupt tacksamt välkomnande till dig, Nicky Gumbel.Tack för att du är här. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is this all there is? What if I told you the God I see in Jesus Christ offers the answers to your deepest longings? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.The sermon today is titled "Is There More To Life Than This?" This sermon is the first installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from John 14:6 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on February 8, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):Kandinsky, Composition VIISongs: Peggy Lee, "Is That All There Is?" (1969); Green Day, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" (2004); Harry Styles, "Sign of the Times" (2017).NYT: Average suicide rate rose 35% at the turn of the century.Jim Carrey quote: Everyone should get rich and famous.C. S. Lewis quote: If Christianity is true.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.
Join Temi as he shares on Baptism Sunday at our Hackney 6pm service on 'The Price is Paid' on Sunday 8th February 2026. For more information about everything we've got going on as a church, head to SAINT.CHURCH and we'll see you on Sunday! Here are some helpful links: The Alpha Course: https://saint.church/alpha/ The Money Course: https://saint.church/moneycourse/ Baptisms: https://saint.church/baptisms/ Sunday services: https://saint.church/sunday/
John and John Garvey discuss the strange evolution of Britain’s charismatic movement—from early Anglican involvement and university-era enthusiasm to the influence of Dennis Bennett, the Full Gospel Businessmen, and later John Wimber and the Kansas City Prophets. Garvey recounts firsthand experiences with failed prophecies, emotional manipulation, and the slow shift from Scripture-centered worship toward experience-driven spirituality. Together they trace how charismatic practices crossed the Atlantic, blended with British evangelical respectability, and created an environment where prophecy, spiritual gifts, and experiential worship were welcomed without adequate discernment. The conversation also explores how worship music, emotional highs, and the rise of celebrity “worship leaders” reshaped the culture of local churches, paving the way for modern movements tied to Bethel, Hillsong, and NAR-style theology. John and Garvey unpack concerns over the Alpha Course’s “Holy Spirit weekend,” imported American revivalism, the diminishing role of biblical teaching, and how addictive emotional experiences can blur the line between genuine faith and spiritual counterfeits. The discussion exposes the long arc that connects historical Pentecostalism to today’s global charismatic trends. John and John Garvey discuss the strange evolution of Britain’s charismatic movement—from early Anglican involvement and university-era enthusiasm to the influence of Dennis Bennett, the Full Gospel Businessmen, and later John Wimber and the Kansas City Prophets. Garvey recounts firsthand experiences with failed prophecies, emotional manipulation, and the slow shift from Scripture-centered worship toward experience-driven spirituality. Together they trace how charismatic practices crossed the Atlantic, blended with British evangelical respectability, and created an environment where prophecy, spiritual gifts, and experiential worship were welcomed without adequate discernment. The conversation also explores how worship music, emotional highs, and the rise of celebrity “worship leaders” reshaped the culture of local churches, paving the way for modern movements tied to Bethel, Hillsong, and NAR-style theology. John and Garvey unpack concerns over the Alpha Course’s “Holy Spirit weekend,” imported American revivalism, the diminishing role of biblical teaching, and how addictive emotional experiences can blur the line between genuine faith and spiritual counterfeits. The discussion exposes the long arc that connects historical Pentecostalism to today’s global charismatic trends.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org
In this Christmas special, we reshare our conversation with Nicky Gumbel! Very occasionally one individual can have a disproportionately powerful impact on a collection of people, but very rarely does that person's impact grow in time and reach, and expand beyond anyone's expectations and for millions, be responsible for enhancing their lives. In this episode we explore a slightly different realm: religion. Our guest, the Reverend Nicky Gumbel, talks of his own odyssey from barrister to clergyman, before widening both awareness and access to Christianity to those outside the church via the Alpha Course. Alpha - a term which we usually employ in a very different context on the podcast - effectively rebranded and modernised Christianity for a new generation in the 1990s, with tens of thousands of courses being run by the end of the decade. The programme has now been translated into 112 different languages, and 30 million people have taken part. In this interview he explains his own pivot to faith, how he was asked to take charge of the Alpha Course development, and in the subsequent years how its reach was extended globally. He explains how he built it into a global brand, how charismatic leadership can be relevant to all fields, the changing relationship between faith and secularism, the role of religion for prisoner rehabilitation, as well as thoughts on morality, money and giving! The Money Maze Podcast is kindly sponsored by Schroders, IFM Investors, World Gold Council and LSEG. Sign up to our Newsletter | Follow us on LinkedIn | Watch on YouTube
Welcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, Kyle, and Doug the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. Today tackled the following questions: (1:20 into episode) AER: Doug has feelings about Chick-Fil-A(4:22 into episode) 1. 9Question 2: - Recommendation Request:I know you reference all sorts of podcasts, books, media, etc...and you reference them under each podcast… but do you have a simple list of resources/books for the following categories? For the new Christian... or the intrigued outsider For the cynical Christian for the Christian who wants to go very deep… or the intellectual Christianyour favourites of all time... or your must reads(21:04 into episode) [Sep 3] What are your thoughts, comments, criticisms on the Alpha Course? Wondering if it is worthwhile.(oct 25) Is the alpha course still a valid way to teach newcomers to the faith? The more I study and learn who Jesus is, and what the gospel is, the more uncomfortable With some teachings like substitutionary atonement and other concepts that I learned that I find hard to unlearn was I go through deconstruction. I know one component of the course is discussion so maybe that's an opportunity, but what are your thoughts on that?(30:35 into episode) [Sep 9] Did Jesus know that he was God from the beginning? Would it have been revealed to him as he grew older (perhaps during his fasting) or would he have known as a kid?(40:10 into episode) [Sep 25] Is Jesus still part human now? Is that not His permanent state now, or can you shake something like that off? And what does this mean?(48:27 into episode) [Oct. 1] I thought I should direct my teleportation question to the experts, so I'm asking you guys; I know how close teleportation is to your hearts :)...if we had the star trek technology to teleport people, would it be ethical? if you're taking apart someone's matter, isn't that murder even if you're going to rebuild that person somewhere else? You have to kill that person every time to duplicates, don't you?Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com
J.John is joined by Rev'd Emmy Wilson, a pioneering leader who brought the Alpha Course into prisons across the UK and around the world. She shares powerful stories of salvation, transformation, and God's miraculous work behind bars.
Send us a textIn this episode of Midweek Motivation, Jess opens up about her own journey with doubt, sharing how an unmet expectation at age 13 caused her to walk away from faith—and how she found her way back. Whether you're wrestling with questions yourself or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation will bring insight, comfort, and practical tools for engaging your doubts with faith and courage.
In this episode, we're joined by Paul Clark, author of The Omega Course, a coming-of-age novel about guilt, redemption, and loss of faith. We learn about the central plot of the book, where 17-year-old Ross kills another driver in a car accident and seeks to find redemption, initially through the real-life “Alpha Course,” which pushes a conservative approach to Christianity. However, at the same time, Ross also takes a fictional “Omega Course” which presents a more critical perspective about the origins of Christianity and the Bible. In the episode, we talk extensively about the research that went into the novel, with special focus on the actual Alpha Course and what makes it so dreadful, as well as the choice to present this topic through fiction. We also discuss the history of monotheism, the authorship of the Bible, evidence for the historical Jesus, and why it all matters. Paul also explains to us whether or not a true atheist can believe in redemption.Order The Omega Course here: https://books2read.com/omega-course Paul's website: https://paulclark42.com/ Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.socialNathan's website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios
With Christmas coming up, we thought today would be the perfect time to replay one of our older episodes! Very occasionally one individual can have a disproportionately powerful impact on a collection of people, but very rarely does that person's impact grow in time and reach, and expand beyond anyone's expectations and for millions, be responsible for enhancing their lives. In this episode we explore a slightly different realm: religion. Our guest, the Reverend Nicky Gumbel, talks of his own odyssey from barrister to clergyman, before widening both awareness and access to Christianity to those outside the church via the Alpha Course. Alpha - a term which we usually employ in a very different context on the podcast - effectively rebranded and modernised Christianity for a new generation in the 1990s, with tens of thousands of courses being run by the end of the decade. The programme has now been translated into 112 different languages, and 30 million people have taken part. In this interview he explains his own pivot to faith, how he was asked to take charge of the Alpha Course development, and in the subsequent years how its reach was extended globally. He explains how he built it into a global brand, how charismatic leadership can be relevant to all fields, the changing relationship between faith and secularism, the role of religion for prisoner rehabilitation, as well as thoughts on morality, money and giving! The Money Maze Podcast is kindly sponsored by Schroders, IFM Investors, World Gold Council and LSEG. Sign up to our Newsletter | Follow us on LinkedIn | Watch on YouTube
We've talked about the promise of the future, the promise of "over/under-responding," and the promise of a God who will fill our lives. We're concluding with a promise for unpacking our baggage, moving on from hurt, and discovering a key to fresh beginnings. We all carry wounds that can sometimes sabotage our relationships. Join us to learn how to "unpack" your baggage. First time listening to our podcast? We'd like to get to know you! Head over to: http://bit.ly/connectcardccc. Connect with us! Do you have any prayer request? DM us. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodchurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodchurch/ Website: http://capecodchurch.com Connect Card: https://bit.ly/connectcardccc
Modern dating can be… challenging. But if you're dating, you want to get it right. So what can help? Ancient Scripture actually offers a lot of wisdom for modern issues. It turns out we're all operating under a few myths that make dating even harder than it has to be. Listen to this sermon and learn how to navigate modern dating with fewer regrets. First time listening to our podcast? We'd like to get to know you! Head over to: http://bit.ly/connectcardccc. Connect with us! Do you have any prayer request? DM us. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodchurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodchurch/ Website: http://capecodchurch.com Connect Card: https://bit.ly/connectcardccc
"Let's figure it out." There's a better way to navigate conflict—and this weekend we're talking about a single promise you can make to yourself and to each other. This promise will help you cool down your most heated conflicts and untangle your most complicated relationship traps. Jesus didn't say this promise would be easy... but it does work. And it's a promise that every one of us can keep. First time listening to our podcast? We'd like to get to know you! Head over to: http://bit.ly/connectcardccc. Connect with us! Do you have any prayer request? DM us. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodchurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodchurch/ Website: http://capecodchurch.com Connect Card: https://bit.ly/connectcardccc
Promises, promises! We're kicking off a new series this weekend, focusing on 4 keys to building fulfilling relationships. Marriage can be challenging, but it's worth it, and these 4 promises will help you create the relationship you're hoping for. Let's begin by exploring the power of a promise—how can a promise make a difference? And what exactly are we promising? P.S. This fall, we're investing in families through the Alpha Marriage Course—it's the perfect complement to this message series. The Marriage Course begins next Sunday, October 27th. See the details below and sign up today! Marriage Course October 27, 5PM, Sunday Join us for The Marriage Course! This 7-week course is for any couple looking to invest in their relationship. We'll gather on Sunday nights for food, thoughtful presentations, and space for couples to have private, intimate conversations with one another. Each group is led by a trusted couple from our church with insights into different seasons of life. We kick off October 27: register below to get started! (Childcare and scholarships available). https://capecodchurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/753/responses/new First time listening to our podcast? We'd like to get to know you! Head over to: http://bit.ly/connectcardccc. Connect with us! Do you have any prayer request? DM us. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodchurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodchurch/ Website: http://capecodchurch.com Connect Card: https://bit.ly/connectcardccc
Nicky Gumbel, previously Vicar at HTB and a pioneer of the Alpha Course, shares how Jesus has a great vision for our lives.
Fiona shares her journey of discovering her worth and identity in Christ, growing up in the Northeast of England where faith felt distant, and later encountering God in a profound way. After years of seeking value in the wrong places, including a period of personal struggle, her confidence began to grow through transformative experiences like living in Japan. A pivotal moment came through the Alpha Course, where she first felt God speaking directly to her heart, leading to a deeper relationship with Him. Despite challenges, including a difficult transition to the U.S. and feelings of failure, she now knows she is beloved by God and has found her "wings" through faith. Her story reflects the ongoing process of embracing this identity while helping others recognize their own value and potential.Support the showVisit our website for more information on our ministry.https://theunseenstory.org/
In this episode, Bobby and Katie take over the "Purposely Catholic" studio. Bobby usually co-host this show with Khalil Hattar, but due to an emergency, he was not able to join. We discuss a variety of topics including the new Star Wars "Acolyte," the culture, Alpha Course, evangelization, and much more!!! Purposely Catholic Need a new scapular or rosary? Get great, premium Catholic must haves with our newest affiliate. Get 10% off by using this link and code THECATHOLICCOUPLESip with purpose at Guadalupe Roastery where our faith meet flavor! Enjoy this heavenly, premium coffee and save %10 with code, THECATHOLICCOUPLECheck out this awesome new program, The Way of Disciples with The Catechism Guy, Taylor!! Check out our Amazon storefront and our book recommendationsFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube and don't forget to follow, subscribe, like and share!https://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85
How would you transform your parish if you had a proven strategy to reignite faith and build a vibrant community? Today, I'm excited to share a piece of that strategy with you—a way to create a sense of belonging before we expect people to believe or behave like us. It's all about fostering a communal approach to faith, where everyone feels included and can directly experience the love and power of God. In this episode, Monica Martinez and Rick Grinstead from Alpha in the Catholic Context join us to discuss how to spark interest and engagement in our faith communities. They emphasize the importance of asking questions and truly listening. Plus, they share practical advice and real-life examples from Alpha, a powerful tool for introducing people to the basic tenets of Christianity. Highlights from this episode: * The Power of Questions: Learn how asking the right questions can open hearts and minds to the gospel message. * Building a Culture of Evangelization: Discover proven methods to transform your parish into a thriving community of faith. * Engaging Youth: Hear firsthand experiences on how to effectively engage young people in meaningful conversations about faith, life, and purpose. For more, go to Alpha in the Catholic Context (https://alphausa.org/catholic-context/) or email Rick (mailto:rickgrinstead@alphausa.org) and Monica (mailto:monicamartinez@alphausa.org) directly. Check out our list of recommended Conversion Moments (https://equip.archomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Options-for-Conversion-Moments-1.pdf)! Register to attend the Alpha Training Lab (https://alphausa.org/event/alpha-training-lab-omaha-nebraska/) on August 3. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Seventeen-year-old Ross Collins has three main cares in life: sport, girls and scraping by on just enough revision for his exams. But then, just one day after passing his driving test, he causes an accident in which another driver is killed.The police arrest him for causing death by careless driving.Devastated, distraught and overcome with remorse, he sets off on a desperate search for redemption in religion. He joins the Alpha Course, but there he meets Omega Bee, a theology student whose faith is crumbling. She sabotages his quest by teaching him the truth about the human origins of Christianity and the Bible.But who needs truth when you have killed somebody? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daniel-lucas66/message
In this Easter special we explore a slightly different realm: religion! Very occasionally one individual can have a disproportionately powerful impact on a collection of people, but very rarely does that person's impact grow in time and reach, and expand beyond anyone's expectations and for millions, be responsible for enhancing their lives. Our guest, the Reverend Nicky Gumbel, talks of his own odyssey from barrister to clergyman, before widening both awareness and access to Christianity to those outside the church via the Alpha Course. Alpha - a term which we usually employ in a very different context on the podcast - effectively rebranded and modernised Christianity for a new generation in the 1990s, with tens of thousands of courses being run by the end of the decade. The programme has now been translated into 112 different languages, and 30 million people have taken part. In this interview he explains his own pivot to faith, how he was asked to take charge of the Alpha Course development, and in the subsequent years how its reach was extended globally. He explains how he built it into a global brand, how charismatic leadership can be relevant to all fields, the changing relationship between faith and secularism, the role of religion for prisoner rehabilitation, as well as thoughts on morality, money and giving! The Money Maze Podcast is kindly sponsored by Schroders, Bremont Watches, and IFM Investors. Sign up to our Newsletter | Follow us on LinkedIn | Watch on YouTube
Our lives are rarely predictable or at all in our control. Sometimes what happens to us or around us can reshape our entire trajectory. Nicky Gumbel is someone whose life was dramatically changed. He thought he was going to be a very fancy lawyer… just like everyone else in his family, but that's not what happened. Nicky became one of the pioneers of the Alpha Course where 30 million people have been introduced to Christian faith around the world. In this conversation, Kate and Nicky discuss: Nicky's reluctant conversion to Christianity How to stay open to the things we didn't expect to happen. How age isn't necessarily the limiter we might assume—perhaps there are opportunities or new ventures that can open up in our later third of life Why the church should be more like a hospital than a museum Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here or visiting katebowler.com/podcasts. Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler. Links to social pages and more available at linktr.ee/katecbowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Jason sits down with the pioneer of the Alpha Course and former Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton in London, Nicky Gumbel. Nicky shares about his journey of transitioning leadership at HTB after nearly two decades in the senior role, emphasizing the importance of healthy succession and not taking changes made by new leaders personally. Their church, HTB, is helping to train pastors in England through a new initiative called the Caleb and Peter streams. Their vision is to see tens of thousands of pastors equipped, coming from less educated and affluent backgrounds, or who have retired from previous careers and are in the later seasons of life. Later in the conversation, Nicky shares a profound vision for the future of the Church: that the bible would be translated and the gospel shared to 99.6% of the world by the 17th of April, 2033. Nicky's joy for evangelism and seeing as many people as possible come to know and follow Jesus is a beautiful gift to the global church. We hope this conversation stirs your imagination for what God can do in your own context as you seek to spread the good news of Jesus with others. Bio | Nicky Gumbel is the former vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London. Together with his wife Pippa, they pioneered Alpha, an introduction to the Christian faith run by all the major Christian denominations in 169 countries. Nicky has written several best-selling books including Questions of Life, The Jesus Lifestyle, Searching Issues and A Life Worth Living. He is the author of the free Bible reading app Bible in One Year. Give today to CCLN and help seed a hopeful future for the Church in Canada. Partners: Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team here. Show Notes: The Leadership Conference is a unique opportunity for leaders to be equipped in their leadership through conversations, world-class content, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Register for LC24 on the 6th-7th May at the Royal Albert Hall in London here. Holy Trinity Brompton Alpha Get Connected! Blog & Episode write-up Website Join our Mailing List! Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram Share a Canadian Church Story
Our guest today is apologist/author/speaker Chris Lawson, founder and director of Spiritual Research Network, a ministry dedicated to proclaiming the gospel and helping Christians grow in discernment regarding multiple new ideologies. Chris has authored several booklets for Lighthouse Trails Research and has collaborated on the newly released "A New Narrative for a New World" with several authors including Mary Danielsen, Carl Teichrib, Kevin Reeves, Warren Smith, and Richard and Linda Nathan. That book and many more excellent, biblical resources can be found here. He and Mary discuss the Alpha Course, from a booklet they co-authored; the new book, and his work with Spiritual Research Network. Shameless plug for swag for our listeners/donors! https://www.redpillprints.com/stand-up-for-the-truth - Thanks for YOUR Support!
Steve Gladen, pastor of small groups at Saddleback Church visits London to interview Nicky Gumbel, Vicar, Holy Trinity Brompton, and Pioneer of the Alpha Course.Nicky and his wife Pippa have impacted millions throughout the world with the Alpha course. Steve talks through what goes into an Alpha course and what makes it effective with Nicky. To learn more about small groups, or to share your own small group ministry experience, find Steve Gladen and others at https://smallgroupnetwork.com, our facebook group, or join our community at https://go.smallgroupnetwork.com ★ Support this podcast ★
As a nurse, Emmy ended up working with HIV/AIDS sufferers, going on to start an outreach to drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes and the homeless. But her life work became pioneering the Alpha Course in prisons throughout the UK, and now around the world, seeing countless lives radically transformed. What a journey! Enjoy listening... --- Support our Sanitary Pads Appeal at greatlakesoutreach.org/pads --- Weekly episode WhatsApp link: greatlakesoutreach.org/whatsapp | Weekly email notification: greatlakesoutreach.org/inspiredemail For more from Simon, visit: simonguillebaud.com --- Produced by Great Lakes Outreach - Transforming Burundi & Beyond: greatlakesoutreach.org
"Proverbs 20:5 says 'In the heart of every human being is a deep well, and the wise person draws it out.'" How can we create a space where people have the chance to explore faith, ask questions, and share their story?Ben and Aaron are joined by Nicky Gumbel, former Anglican priest and founder of Alpha, a multi-week course that creates a space where people come to discuss life's big questions.-------------------------------------------------Join the Steiger Online Intensive Training!October 20th - October 21stClick HERE to register now!Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org, or send us a message on Instagram.Join the Provoke & Inspire Community!Click below to follow Ben, Aaron, Luke, or David on Instagram!Ben PierceAaron PierceLuke GreenwoodDavid Pierce
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
