Podcasts about delighting

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!

This is the third of an nine part video series "Gospel Centred Leadership" Union builds pathways for your growth in Christ ▶️ Visit our channel for more videos @uniontheology

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!

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

This message is from the Puritan Conference 2025 :   "⁠⁠The Distinctive Marks of Puritanism"  by Michael Reeves. © Grace Community Church 2026. Used by permission of ⁠⁠Grace Community Church⁠⁠. All rights reserved.  Delighting in the Trinity with Michael Reeves is brought to you by https://www.uniontheology.org/For more resources visit www.unionpublishing.org   To support or become a friend of Union, visit www.uniontheology.org/friends-of-union  Connect with us on: Twitter @mike_reeves @uniontheology @unionpublishing   Instagram @drmichaelreeves @uniontheology @unionpublishing   Facebook www.facebook.com/unionpublish www.facebook.com/uniontheology

Episode Description: How do we move from knowing about God to actively experiencing Him on a daily basis? In this concluding episode of the week for For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelly and June Volk unpack the deep practical realities of Ephesians chapter 3. Reading from the Amplified version, June highlights how verse 19 is a direct beckoning for believers to step into a daily, tangible encounter with the love of the Messiah—an experience that ignites a spark, creates an unstoppable internal fire, and empowers us to love and forgive where humanly impossible. June shares a moving personal account of a Jewish cardiologist who noticed a striking, undeniable peace in the way believers face death—a powerful testament to the resurrected life of Jesus working inside His children. Shelly closes the week by constructing a massive scriptural bridge between the Old and New Covenants, proving that the foundation of our faith rests on a God who consistently operates "exceedingly and abundantly." The episode culminates in a beautiful moment of unity as the hosts recite the Shema to honor their Jewish kinsmen. Key Takeaways from This Episode: The Ignited Spark: June discusses how experiencing the love of Christ isn't an intellectual exercise; it practically alters your nature, allowing you to become a witness who loves and forgives in the hardest environments. Dying Differently: A profound anecdote from a cardiologist reveals that the inner presence of the Messiah leaves a visible, unmistakable imprint of peace on a person's life, noticed even by those who don't yet believe. The Scriptural Bridge: Shelly and June trace the language of abundance (hooper) all the way back to the Old Covenant—highlighting an abundant pardon in Isaiah, an abundance of peace in the Psalms, and an exceeding multiplication in Exodus. A Call to Unity: To mark the conclusion of the broadcast week on Friday, the Volks explicitly identify with their Jewish kinsmen by reciting the Shema, celebrating that the foundations of the New Covenant are deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Scripture References Mentioned in This Episode: The Weekly Anchor: Ephesians 3:14-21 The Abundant Pardon: Isaiah 55:7 Delighting in Peace: Psalm 37:11 Abundant in Mercy and Truth: Exodus 34:6 Exceedingly Abundant Grace: 1 Timothy 1:14 Begotten to a Living Hope: 1 Peter 1:3 The Covenant of Multiplication: Exodus 17:2 / Genesis 17:2 Exalted Exceedingly: 2 Chronicles 1:1 Rejoicing Exceedingly: Psalm 68:3 Loving the Testimonies: Psalm 119:167 Faith Growing Exceedingly: 2 Thessalonians 1:3 Life More Abundantly: John 10:10 All Sufficiency Clauses: 2 Corinthians 9:8 The Scriptural Creed: Deuteronomy 6:4 (The Shema) Support & Connect with For Zion's Sake: For Zion's Sake is a broadcast dedicated to strengthening believers in their faith and praying for Jewish kinsmen to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus as the Messiah. Visit Us Online: Find full archives, updates, and resources at shellyandjunevolk.com. Write to Us Directly: For Zion's Sake P.O. Box 244 Kannapolis, NC 28082 Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

Pastor Tim Gibb Lead Pastor Summer Series July 5, 2026 AM

Assembly of Yahusha Worship Service officiated Bro. Jon Dizon 07-04-2026. ©2026 Assembly of Yahusha All rights reserved. The Assembly of Yahusha exclusively own the rights to the contents of this podcast and any non-assemblymember reproduction must have the approval of the Assembly. Only bona fide members of the Assembly are authorized to copy, download, and reproduce the contents of this podcast for their personal or religious use. For permission to copy, download, and reproduce send an email to: info@aoy.today

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!

Assembly of Yahusha Worship Service officiated Bro. Paul Urbano and Bro. Jon Dizon 06-27-2026. ©2026 Assembly of Yahusha All rights reserved. The Assembly of Yahusha exclusively own the rights to the contents of this podcast and any non-assemblymember reproduction must have the approval of the Assembly. Only bona fide members of the Assembly are authorized to copy, download, and reproduce the contents of this podcast for their personal or religious use. For permission to copy, download, and reproduce send an email to: info@aoy.today

Here at the Life Center, we want to see God, ourselves, and others in the correct light so that our service is effective, loving, and rightly motivated. That's why we came up with service ideals to help us remember why we do what we do and that God is ultimately in control of it all. Join Micah, Christa, and our special guest Erin Marken as we discuss our ninth and tenth ideals and share Life Center updates.

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!

Oneg Shabbat - Delighting in Shabbat by Rabbi Avi Harari

This message is from The Holiness of God: 2025 Southeast Asia Conference:   "⁠Saints of God⁠"  by Michael Reeves. © Ligonier Ministries 2026. Used by permission of ⁠Ligonier Ministries⁠. All rights reserved.  Delighting in the Trinity with Michael Reeves is brought to you by https://www.uniontheology.org/For more resources visit www.unionpublishing.org   To support or become a friend of Union, visit www.uniontheology.org/friends-of-union  Connect with us on: Twitter @mike_reeves @uniontheology @unionpublishing   Instagram @drmichaelreeves @uniontheology @unionpublishing   Facebook www.facebook.com/unionpublish www.facebook.com/uniontheology

Assembly of Yahusha Worship Service officiated Bro. Paul Urbano and Bro. Jon Dizon 06-20-2026. ©2026 Assembly of Yahusha All rights reserved. The Assembly of Yahusha exclusively own the rights to the contents of this podcast and any non-assemblymember reproduction must have the approval of the Assembly. Only bona fide members of the Assembly are authorized to copy, download, and reproduce the contents of this podcast for their personal or religious use. For permission to copy, download, and reproduce send an email to: info@aoy.today

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!

Brandon's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Woo, Positivity, Communication, Belief & Developer Brandon Boyd has spent nearly three decades on the front lines of collegiate ministry with Cru, walking alongside students and families through life's most defining moments. A husband, father, and speaker, Brandon brings warmth and candor to the callings that matter most: faith, family, and fatherhood. You can learn more about Delighting In Ben here.    You can oder Delighting in Ben  book here.   Connect with Brandon: brandon.boyd@cru.org or call 1-405-269-1004 Follow him on Facebook here Link to take the CliftonStrengths Assessment Coaching and Workshops with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

The Gospel Gives Birth to Worshippers . . . i. Encounter over Style! (19-21)II. God-Centered: Worship God as He is! (22, var)III. Both Knowing and Delighting! (23-25)Practical Implications o What are some ways style/preference distract you from worship?o What are some ways you see man-centered slip into place of God-centered worship?o Where are you on the spectrum- head & heart? What might God want to grow in you today?o Prepare for Supper: Warning, Welcome, Worship

Assembly of Yahusha Worship Service officiated Bro. Ludwig Richardson and Bro. Jon Dizon 06-13-2026. ©2026 Assembly of Yahusha All rights reserved. The Assembly of Yahusha exclusively own the rights to the contents of this podcast and any non-assemblymember reproduction must have the approval of the Assembly. Only bona fide members of the Assembly are authorized to copy, download, and reproduce the contents of this podcast for their personal or religious use. For permission to copy, download, and reproduce send an email to: info@aoy.today

Seeing the glorious majesty of God compels us to bow down in praise and dependent prayer. Today, Michael Reeves describes the vibrant life that a right fear of God produces in us. Get Michael Reeves' video teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD with your donation. You'll also unlock digital access to all 8 messages and the study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request Dr. Reeves' digital teaching series and study guide with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   Michael Reeves is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in Wales, and host of the podcast Delighting in the Trinity. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

A true encounter with God's grace in the gospel cannot leave His people unaffected. His awesome goodness and love should cause our hearts to quake. Today, Michael Reeves shows why the fear of the Lord is a delight for Christians. Get Michael Reeves' video teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD with your donation. You'll also unlock digital access to all 8 messages and the study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request Dr. Reeves' digital teaching series and study guide with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   Michael Reeves is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in Wales, and host of the podcast Delighting in the Trinity. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

By nature, our sin drives us away from God, terrified of being exposed to His holy judgment. Today, Michael Reeves explains that this repulsing, sinful fear of God arises from a misunderstanding of who He is. Get Michael Reeves' video teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD with your donation. You'll also unlock digital access to all 8 messages and the study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request Dr. Reeves' digital teaching series and study guide with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   Michael Reeves is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in Wales, and host of the podcast Delighting in the Trinity. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Scripture's most common command is "Do not be afraid." Yet the Bible also calls us to fear. So, is fear a good thing or a bad thing? Today, Michael Reeves shows how the fear of the Lord puts all other fears in their proper place. Get Michael Reeves' video teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD with your donation. You'll also unlock digital access to all 8 messages and the study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request Dr. Reeves' digital teaching series and study guide with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   Michael Reeves is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in Wales, and host of the podcast Delighting in the Trinity. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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!

Jesus is more than the Giver of our salvation. He is salvation's greatest treasure. Today, we share a discussion with Michael Reeves. Drawing from his book Rejoicing in Christ, he invites us to find deeper delight in our marvelous Redeemer. Get Michael Reeves' book Rejoicing in Christ with your donation: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request Dr. Reeves' digital teaching series and study guide for The Fear of the Lord with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   Michael Reeves is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in Wales, and host of the podcast Delighting in the Trinity. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Assembly of Yahusha Worship Service officiated Bro. Jon Dizon 06-06-2026. ©2026 Assembly of Yahusha All rights reserved. The Assembly of Yahusha exclusively own the rights to the contents of this podcast and any non-assemblymember reproduction must have the approval of the Assembly. Only bona fide members of the Assembly are authorized to copy, download, and reproduce the contents of this podcast for their personal or religious use. For permission to copy, download, and reproduce send an email to: info@aoy.today

Message by Pastor Stacey ShiflettText: Psalm 1:2June 3, 2026 - 7PM

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!

Join Rebecca George and Asheritah Ciuciu as they explore biblical joy, trusting God's timing, and practical rhythms to delight in Jesus amidst life's seasons of waiting, despair, and burnout.Keywords:biblical joy, trusting God's timing, delighting in Jesus, spiritual rhythms, hope in despair, joy in suffering, God's delight, spiritual growth, Christian life, faith journeyKey topics:Biblical definition of joy versus worldly happinessThe role of delight and leaning into God's presencePractical rhythms for experiencing joy dailyGod's delight in His creation and in usThe journey from despair to joy through God's workChapters00:00 Introduction to Joy and Despair08:12 The Nature of Biblical Joy12:46 Delighting in Jesus18:12 Finding Joy in Everyday Life22:38 The Journey of Writing and Personal Growth26:30 The Power of Community and Healing32:22 Cultivating Wonder: A Path to Joy37:11 Radiance in Christ: The Joy of His PresenceSponsors:Ever AJ: If your quiet time often feels rushed or scattered, Ever AJ might be just what you need. They design beautiful, functional pieces, like thoughtfully made Bible cases that hold everything in one place, so you can sit down, open up, and actually be present. Check out Ever AJ here!Christian Standard Bible: With Father's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the men who've shaped me, leading with quiet faith, steady presence, and wisdom. If you're looking for a meaningful gift that points him back to truth, I love the Father's Day Gift Guide from Christian Standard Bible. Whether it's a Bible he'll read every morning or something to deepen his study, these are gifts that go beyond the moment and anchor his faith for the long haul. Check out the CSB Father's Day Gift Guide here!Live Oak Integrative Health: If you've been quietly carrying the weight of wanting to grow your family, you're not alone. Rebecca Belch at Live Oak Integrative Health walks alongside women through fertility challenges with a root-cause approach, looking at gut health, nutrition, and overall wellness to help your body support a healthy pregnancy. She's seen so many encouraging stories, including women who've gotten pregnant after finally getting the right support. If you've been looking for answers or just a place to start, this could be a beautiful next step. Learn more at liveoakintegrativehealth.com/radianceLinks:Speaking: https://www.radicalradiance.live/speaking Creative Business Coaching: https://www.radicalradiance.live/coaching Camp for Creatives: https://www.radicalradiance.live/campforcreatives Listen to Radical Radiance on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radical-radiance/id1484726102?uo=4 Listen to Radical Radiance on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55N56VtU6q33ztgJNw7oTX?si=29648982bc91475f Take the FREE Waiting Personality Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/676d5c2884dd1e00159563f6 Take the Why Are You Stuck in Your Calling? Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/657326e6544f610014b40b67 Books:You're Not Too Late: Trusting God's Timing in a Hurry-Up World: https://amzn.to/44omO3kDo the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl: https://amzn.to/43IaFpMBefore Dawn: Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life: https://amzn.to/4pdsZjv 

To be human is to long for relational communion, and the essence of Christian communion is delighting in others for who they are as God's image bearers, not for what they can offer us. In this teaching, we explore the beautiful communion of the Trinity (Father, Son and Spirit) welcoming each of us into their communion of delight so we can share this with one another. This movement in our lives is essential to the healing and repair of the world in which we're often invited to not delight in others and to even remain in hostility with others and seeing them for only what they bring to us. Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 11, Genesis 3, Isaiah 40:27

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The first Psalm gives us some keyes to success and it's all based around finding delight in the law of God. Join us for this episode as we look at ways the principles of Psalm 1 can lead us down the road of delighitng in the law of God and finding true success. 

What does bowling have to do with spiritual life?In this teaching on Psalm 19, John Ortberg explores anxiety, surrender, creation, grace, and the deep human longing for soul rest.Using a surprisingly powerful bowling illustration, John reflects on how most people continue trying to control outcomes long after the “ball” has already left their hands. Psalm 19 offers another way: let go, trust God, delight in creation, and allow your soul to rest.This episode explores:- Why modern people struggle with rest- The connection between anxiety and control- Creation as medicine for the soul- Why the law of God is actually a gift- Soul fragmentation and divided living- How love restores wholenessFeaturing reflections on:- Dallas Willard- Theodore Roosevelt- Martin Luther- Psalm 19Scriptures:-Psalm 19-Matthew 22:37–39-James 2:8#Psalm19 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #DallasWillard #SoulRest #Anxiety #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms

Doctrine matters because… We love God. Belief shapes behavior. It informs our worldview. We need to be equipped to explain what we believe and why we believe it. This doctrine calls for… 1. Defining the Trinity The Trinity Defined… There is one God The Father is God The Son is God The Holy Spirit is God 2. Defending the Trinity If Jesus isn't God, His death did not atone for your sins. If Jesus isn't God, you cannot be justified by faith in Christ. If Jesus isn't God, He cannot answer your prayers. If the Holy Spirit isn't God, you cannot trust His leading. Without the Trinity, there were no personal or intimate relationships before Creation. 3. Delighting in the Trinity The Trinity displays the root of the reality that “God is love.” Delight in the ways of a triune God!

Pastor Will Hatfield - Song of Solomon 3-4

God's children are set apart as saints, given the privilege of sharing in Christ's moral beauty. Pastor John explains how God's holiness draws us to him.

When most people hear the word worship, they think of people gathered together singing. But there is more to it. Dr. Sam Storms shares from his book, "Understanding Worship: Biblical Foundations for Delighting in and Feasting on God." He'll encourage us to approach God with a heart ready to receive all his goodness as we find our delight and satisfaction in God's love. Find out more about "The Story of Everything" film here Check out Susie's new podcast God Impressions on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

From Tolerating to Delighting: Marriage Transformation Is Possible (feat. Gary Thomas & Belah Rose) Imagine this: Your husband is working nights and you are cleaning houses during the day.    When you find out you are pregnant, you pursue a dream of writing a book.   Every morning you walk to the coffee shop just down the street to write.    One of your favorite things to do is listen to books about marriage. One of your favorite books on the topic is written by Gary Thomas. In his book, Sacred Marriage, he asks, "What if marriage is meant to make us holy instead of happy?"   Now, fast forward just a few years.    You are having a conversation with that author, and he tells you he is a fan of your work.    Fast forward a couple more years, and you get to be mentored by this same author.    Eventually, it becomes evident that he and I can help more couples by joining forces and creating a collaboration where he shares his wisdom through books and speaking, and you are able to provide coaching and accountability for people after they read the books or attend the conferences.   That is the story I am sharing with you today as I announce a collaboration with Gary Thomas, bestselling author and speaker.   In this episode, we share how God truly has a plan for your marriage. He is the one who changes lives, and we have been able to see that in both of our work.   I want to encourage you that God can take your loaves and fishes and do something amazing. He can take your willingness. He can take your bit of faith, and He can make a marvelous tapestry for His glory.   Just yesterday, we had two amazing graduations. Both individuals were changed themselves. And their spouse changed in response, though their spouses did not do the work.    That can be your story, too. We would love to witness God perform that miracle through biblical principles made practical on the inside.   Listen to today's podcast to understand Gary's heart and mine regarding the work we do, and now do together.   Thank you, Gary, for the honor!   And thank you, listener, for your love, support, and prayers. I am honored to be able to serve in this way and am trusting God for more healed hearts.   God bless you,   Belah PS - Marriage Transformation is real. Schedule a free Clarity Call and start your journey to a playful, peaceful, purposeful marriage. PPS - Here is a quote from a recent Coaching program graduate:  My wife and I struggled to get along...We were so intimately disconnected that it led to months of no sexual intimacy...it was so painful. We constantly fought about any and everything...I had gone into various counseling programs, spiritual formations, soul care, discipleship...But nothing was really changing our relationship... [Now,] God is answering my prayers and faith is becoming a reality. She is opening up, sharing her thoughts and feeling safe and connected...She is trusting me again...[We] have been having sex again...I am in such a better place and praise God for leading me to Belah and DYM.   Here is an AI-generated summary of today's episode: A New Christ-Centered Partnership for Marriage Transformation Gary Thomas and Belah Rose announce a meaningful new collaboration between Gary's marriage ministry work and Belah's ministry, Delight Your Marriage. Their shared desire is to help marriages be healed, strengthened, and transformed for the glory of God. Belah Rose's Story: From Brokenness to Marriage Ministry Belah shares how her own painful first marriage, divorce, and season away from Jesus shaped her calling. After experiencing healing through Christ and through the love of her husband, Darrow, she became passionate about helping others avoid the pain she had walked through. Her heart for Delight Your Marriage was born from the realization that marriage can either deeply wound or deeply heal—and that intimacy is often a powerful catalyst in that process. Why One Spouse Can Still Make a Difference A major theme of the conversation is that transformation can begin with just one spouse doing the work. Gary and Belah emphasize that this is not about blame or manipulation. Instead, it is about reclaiming God-given influence, loving your spouse as an act of obedience to Christ, and allowing God to change the atmosphere of the marriage. Understanding How Men and Women Receive Love Differently Belah explains the Delight Your Marriage framework for helping spouses love each other well. For wives, the focus is often helping them feel: Safe Known Wholeheartedly cherished For husbands, the focus is often helping them feel: Respected Admired Wholeheartedly intimate Gary affirms that while every person is unique, there are real patterns in how men and women often experience love, safety, respect, and intimacy. Rebuilding Intimacy Without Pressure or Manipulation Gary and Belah address the pain of sexless, disconnected, or emotionally distant marriages. They explain that true intimacy is not about obligation or pressure, but mutual joy, desire, safety, and love. Belah shares that many spouses come into the program wanting change in intimacy, but through the process, their motivation becomes deeper: loving their spouse well because they love God. Real Stories of Marriages Being Restored Belah shares several powerful examples of transformation, including: A couple who had gone 10 years without intimacy and experienced renewed connection after three months of doing the work. A wife whose husband had been checked out through video games, but who became more engaged, responsible, and affectionate after she changed her approach. A husband whose wife had been emotionally cold and distant, but who later began coming toward him with affection, conversation, and intimacy. Hope for Marriages That Feel Dead and Buried Gary and Belah are honest that not every marriage has a guaranteed outcome, especially when divorce, abuse, abandonment, or unsafe dynamics are involved. But they also emphasize that God can resurrect marriages that seem completely hopeless. Through Christ, practical tools, humility, and accountability, many couples have experienced healing they never thought possible. What Happens on a Clarity Call Belah explains that the first step is a free Clarity Call. During the call, a trained advisor listens deeply to the person's story, prays for them, and helps identify what may be at the root of the marital struggle. From there, some people are invited to a Program Discovery Call to discern whether coaching is the right next step. Why Accountability Matters in Marriage Growth Gary explains that books, conferences, and resources can be helpful, but many people need someone to walk with them personally. Belah shares that Delight Your Marriage offers coaching, structure, small-group support, prayer, and accountability so participants are not trying to change alone. Help for Good Marriages That Want to Become Great The program is not only for marriages in crisis. Belah explains that even strong marriages can have hidden "leaks"—small areas where connection, intimacy, communication, or delight could become stronger. Sometimes a marriage that seems good can become far better than either spouse knew was possible. Support for Pastors, Missionaries, and Ministry Marriages Belah and Gary also discuss the importance of supporting pastors, missionaries, and ministry couples. Many leaders feel isolated in their marriage struggles, and Delight Your Marriage offers a private, Christ-centered place to receive help. Belah shares that scholarships are available for some full-time ministers. Special Invitation for Gary Thomas's Audience To celebrate the partnership, Belah shares a special offer for Gary Thomas's audience. Those who sign up and share that they were referred by Gary Thomas can receive $500 or more in savings if they sign up for a Clarity Call and coaching before May 15. Final Encouragement: There Is Real Hope for Your Marriage Gary and Belah close with a message of hope. A painful marriage does not have to stay the same. A distant marriage can become connected again. A marriage that feels dead can be revived by the power of Jesus. The invitation is simple: take the next step, begin with a Clarity Call, and discover what God may want to heal.

Cultivating both joy and sorrow within us. Seeing what they are made of, so that we can approach them with reverence rather than trying to control them or banish them. And finding out that that the more we go on in lives, the more we can know and the more we can have faith that we can meet what life brings us.This week's Turning Towards Life is hosted as always by Lizzie Winn and Justin Wise of Thirdspace.Episode Overview00:00 Introduction and Context03:05 The Inner Child and Magic in All Creatures06:10 Delighting in Life and Connection09:12 The Role of Time in Our Experiences11:46 Reverence Towards Sorrow and Joy14:44 The Complexity of Joy and Sorrow17:50 Intention and Commitment to Experience20:49 Community and Shared Language23:56 Conclusion and GratitudeThis is Turning Towards Life, a weekly live 30 minute conversation hosted by Thirdspace in which Justin Wise and Lizzie Winn dive deep into big questions of human living. Find us on FaceBook to join in the lively conversation on this episode. You can find videos of every episode, and more about the project on the Turning Towards Life website, and you can also watch and listen on Instagram, YouTube, and as a podcast in all the usual podcast places.Our source for this week:Blessed is the personwho delights in seeingthe inner child in every oneand the magic in all creatureswho does not shun difficultyand can turn with equal reverencetoward sorrow and joywho can trust fear asthe balsam of courageand pain as an instrumentfor opening the heartwho can pause to noticethe delicate lustre of a lichenand the undulations of the lightwho dares to make hopean axiom of beingand is strong enoughto be changed by love.Maria Popova, from The Almanac of BirdsPhoto by Ramona Edwards on Unsplash---Join Us Live in 2026Professional Coaching Course, begins July 2-5 2026, OnlineOur year long programme, an opportunity to learn to support others in deep, life giving discovery and development.You can hear us talk about the programme here:www.turningtowards.life/coachingAnd you can read more about it here:www.wearethirdspace.org/professional-coaching-courseTurning Towards Life Live Season 3, from September 2026Our Turning Towards Life live programme of community, learning and reflection runs in six month seasons, in person on Zoom once a month. We're very excited about it. A chance to expand beyond the bounds of a podcast into forming a community of learning and practice.You can find out more and join us here: www.turningtowards.life/live----About Turning Towards LifeTurning Towards Life, a week-by-week conversation inviting us deeply into our lives, is a live 30 minute conversation hosted by Justin Wise and Lizzie Winn of Thirdspace.  Find us on FaceBook to join in the lively conversation on this episode. You can find videos of every episode, and more about the project on the Turning Towards Life website, and you can also watch and listen on Instagram, YouTube, and as a podcast on Apple, Amazon Music and Spotify.Join Our Weekly Mailing: www.turningtowards.life/subscribeSupport Us: www.buymeacoffee.com/turningtowardslife

"In this message from Psalm 119, we explore what it truly means to delight in the way of the Lord. Rather than a checklist or obligation, God's Word is revealed as a source of deep joy, life, and transformation. The psalmist doesn't rush through Scripture—they return to it again and again, reflecting, meditating, and treasuring it. This kind of delight isn't accidental; it's intentional. It begins as desire, grows through dependence, and ultimately becomes evident in every season of life. When we store God's Word in our hearts, we begin to see it not as a burden, but as something more valuable than riches—something we actually want and need. As life brings challenges, uncertainty, and unexpected turns, Psalm 119 reminds us where true stability is found. The same Word we delight in becomes the anchor we depend on. In moments of joy and in seasons of struggle, God's truth gives comfort, direction, and life. This message invites us to slow down, engage deeply with Scripture, and allow God to shape our hearts through it. When we shift from simply reading the Word to truly delighting in it, we begin to experience the kind of flourishing that comes from walking in step with Him—on the mountaintops, in the valleys, and everywhere in between."

We all face pain and hardships in life, but the good news is with Jesus, our joy can be restored. Asheritah Ciuciu shares her personal journey to finding joy after walking through tragic circumstances. She invites you to rediscover joy in your life as you lean into how God delights in you. Receive the book Delighting in Jesus and a free audio download of the broadcast "Learning to Delight in the Presence of Jesus" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive. Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Far from being an obscure doctrine, the Trinity is the source of all the grace and delight of the gospel. Today, Michael Reeves explains how knowing God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit enriches our understanding of redemption. Request Michael Reeves' book Delighting in the Trinity with your donation: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request Dr. Reeves' digital teaching series The Fear of the Lord with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Register today for Ligonier's 2026 National Conference, Crucial Questions: https://www.ligonier.org/2026   Meet Today's Teacher:   Michael Reeves is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, and president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in Wales.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts