Podcasts about ephesians

A new MP3 sermon from Bethel Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Redemption Through His Blood Subtitle: Devotionals Speaker: Jay Smith Broadcaster: Bethel Baptist Church Event: Devotional Date: 9/14/2025 Bible: Ephesians 1:7-8 Length: 2 min.

Welcome to the first week of the Gospel Spice Podcast's series, "Identity in the Battle," where we embark on a journey through the book of Ephesians. In this lesson, we'll dive into the heart of Ephesians chapter 1, focusing on what it means to have our identity rooted "in Christ." As we walk through Ephesians, we're encouraged to "taste and see that the Lord is good"—embracing the variety and richness that God offers. Overview of Ephesians Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while in prison around AD 60–62. The key purpose of this letter is to urge believers to walk as fruitful followers of Christ, serving in unity and love, particularly in challenging times. Paul's guidance in Ephesians is deeply relevant to our own spiritual journeys today. The book can be split into three main parts: Chapters 1–3: Who we are in Christ (our identity). Chapters 4–5: How to walk out our calling (practical Christian living). Chapter 6: How to face spiritual battles with the armor of God. Identity: In Christ, Adoption, and the Holy Spirit Paul uses the expression “in Christ” (or similar) ten times in the first fourteen verses of Ephesians. This repetition emphasizes that our identity is rooted not in our achievements, background, family, or appearance—but solely in who Jesus says we are. What matters is God's perspective of us, not the world or even those closest to us. Stephanie highlights that understanding our identity is a lifelong process, with four main steps: Discovery: Learn who God is, what He's done, who He says you are, and what He calls you to do. Acceptance: Move from mere head knowledge to heart-level acceptance. Truly taste and see that God is good. Transformation: Let your understanding of God begin to change you from the inside out—your thoughts, your self-image, and your relationships. Daily Living: Live in your new identity daily, relying on the Holy Spirit and the Christian community for support. Adoption into God's Family Paul employs the metaphor of adoption—a process which, in both Roman law and today, requires moving from one family to another, with full legal recognition and new rights. As Christians, we were once “children of wrath,” but God chose to bring us into His family, giving us full rights as His sons and daughters. This legal and spiritual transformation means that our old “family” (the world and sin) no longer defines us, and we now receive an eternal inheritance with Christ. The Holy Spirit: Our Seal and Guarantee Paul says we are “sealed by the Holy Spirit,” who is the guarantee of our inheritance. This sealing means we belong to God forever, and the Spirit empowers us to live out our new identity and purpose. Application and Encouragement As new members of God's family, we are called to let go of old habits and embrace the rights, intimacy, and inheritance God offers us in Christ. This transformation is possible because of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who assures us that we are deeply loved, accepted, and called. Take time this week to reflect on these truths. Discover, accept, and step into your identity in Christ—chosen, adopted, and sealed for a purpose far greater than you ever imagined. Discussion Questions: What does it mean to you to be “in Christ”? How does understanding spiritual adoption change how you see yourself? In what ways do you need to daily embrace your new identity and release your old one? Join the Gospel Spice community for resources, Bible studies, and deeper fellowship as you walk out your true identity in Christ! ----- IDENTITY IN THE BATTLE WORKBOOK ------ You have the option to go beyond listening to this series, and to participate actively. This exclusive Gospel Spice Ministries resource is available at gospelspice.com/identity . You will receive a downloadable, printable workbook containing listening guide for each of the 6 episodes in this series, space for note taking, and discussion questions if you want to do this study with a friend! What better way to enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend this season, than to discuss your identity in the battle together? So, grab a friend or family member, or someone to mentor or be mentored by, and signup together.  Every week, Stephanie shares truth from Scripture and invites you to dig deeper in your faith to delight in the glory of God. PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link with friends and family PAY IT FORWARD by supporting us financially PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with! Find out more at gospelspice.com Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you've enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It's at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don't want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There's exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you're going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we've put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it's one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. We do this through the podcast, online Bible studies, leadership trainings, and more. We want to serve Christ-followers who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel. We want to love God, because He first loved us. We want to experience the fullness of life with Him—and not be content with stale, boring, leftover faith. Jesus tells us that the most important thing is to love the Lord our God, so we take Him seriously. He adds that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now, there are many ways to do that, but I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – it is modern day slavery, and it revolts the heart of God. And so, they are our particular neighbors here at Gospel Spice. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil.   Now we would love to invite you to join the team in one of three ways: 1, pray Gospel Spice forward – pray for our guests, our listeners and participants, and for us too! 2, play Gospel Spice forward by telling your friends about us, and by please leaving positive reviews and comments on your podcast listening app; and 3rd, PAY GospelSpice forward. Less than 1% of our listeners are supporting us financially. We need your help! Please pay Gospel Spice forward today. It can be a one-time donation, or a monthly one, for the amount of your choice. Your donation is fully tax-deductible in the US. Plus, once we cover our costs, a significant portion of your donation will be given back to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking, and that we vet thoroughly. So, you can know that every dime you give is used for the Kingdom of God. Every little bit helps. So, be part of the spice of the gospel by becoming a financial partner today! You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer  There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God's eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement. But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I'll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn't prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision? As an unassuming student, I'm going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray. If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don't miss out! A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God's Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts. We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation. So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is. There's only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this. Let's begin. THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don't really know how to pray. I'm a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn't really about what I've learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I've sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings. So, I'll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ. Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it's up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let's make it delightful together! So, let's get started. You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer  There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God's eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement. But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I'll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn't prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision? As an unassuming student, I'm going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray. If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don't miss out! A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God's Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts. We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation. So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is. There's only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this. Let's begin. THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don't really know how to pray. I'm a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn't really about what I've learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I've sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings. So, I'll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ. Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it's up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let's make it delightful together! So, let's get started. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

In episode nine of "Safeguards Against Deception," Duane Sheriff teaches the power and importance of prayer. In a world filled with deception and darkness, prayer is a vital tool for communion with God. It allows Jesus, the gardener of our hearts, to cultivate truth and uproot deceit. To enhance your prayer life, establish a consistent rhythm of prayer using scriptural passages from Ephesians and Colossians. These passages focus on seeking wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual understanding. These prayers empower believers to walk in truth, bear fruit, and remain steadfast in their faith. By focusing on God instead of the chaos of the world, prayer becomes a crucial defense against deception.https://pastorduane.com/safeguards-against-deception/

Heather speaks into the aftermath of last week’s tragic events to address how these unsettling times can actually serve as a wake-up call for Christian women struggling with body image and comparison. Instead of focusing on the headlines, Heather invites listeners to examine what we’re really battling daily. She explores the big idea that our struggle isn’t with the scale, the mirror, or even other women—it’s a spiritual battle, not “against flesh and blood,” as Ephesians 6:12 says. Heather shares a relatable story about getting a speeding ticket (and her less-than-humble reaction!) as an illustration of the subtle ways pride and self-focus sneak in, keeping us distracted from what God is calling us to. Here are some references & main themes: The assassination of Charlie Kirk: Not the main focus of the episode, but this tragic event is used as context for discussing spiritual wake-up calls and living boldly for Jesus. Us vs. them mentality: How cultural polarization and volatility can lead to numbness or withdrawal, even from our spiritual callings. Spiritual battle vs. physical struggle: Using Ephesians 6:12, Heather emphasizes we need to recognize the spiritual nature of our struggles—especially with body image, insecurity, and comparison. Armor of God (Ephesians 6): Are you more worried about what you wear or making sure you have the armor of God on? The lie of “my truth” vs. God’s truth: Heather draws from the cultural trend of embracing “my truth” and contrasts it with God’s truth, especially in how we view ourselves and our worth. Pride and self-righteousness: Illustrated through her personal speeding ticket story, reminding us how quickly we default to excusing ourselves and judging others. Encouragement for action: Rather than “doing more” or “trying harder,” Heather invites listeners to actually follow Jesus, not just fit Him into their goals and plans. Overcoming shame and guilt: She warns listeners not to get caught in the enemy’s trap of shame for not being "further along" in their spiritual walk, and instead to run toward Jesus, the light, and real security. Programs and Resources Mentioned: 40-Day Journey: Starts October 1st, with groups beginning October 7th. Details at improvebodyimage.com or directly at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Body Image Freedom Framework: Heather’s online course for deeper freedom in the areas discussed in the episode. Coaching and community offerings: Here are links to programs designed to equip women for the real battle. Questions to Reflect On: Which “battle” am I spending most of my time and energy on each day? How does believing my own truth about my body or worth keep me from living in God’s truth? Am I taking Jesus along for my ride, or am I letting Him lead? Final encouragement: Heather calls listeners to reject shame, fight the real battle, and let their light shine for Christ. She challenges us to think about how we will be remembered—not as women obsessed with their image, but as those unafraid to shine the light of Jesus. For more: Listen to this episode for Heather’s personal stories, practical encouragement, and a heartfelt call to step out of comparison and into true freedom. Plus, details on the 40-Day Journey and more great episodes at LifeAudio.com. Loved this episode? Share, subscribe, and leave a review—or join a journey to grow deeper in faith and freedom! The Compared to Who? Podcast is part of the Life Audio Podcast Network. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 31:1-6 Psalm 130 Ephesians 4:26-27 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

"Understanding the Times"Colossians 2:6-8; 1 Chronicles 12:32Pastor Nate ClarkeSeptember 14, 2025The government has gone out of its lane:https://youtu.be/Kd9ZG5pMYFIShould Christians pay attention to POLITICS? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04Have you heard the news about the FUTURE of Oasis Church?https://www.oasischurch.online/futureSERMON NOTES:- Colossians 2:6-8- 1 Chronicles 12:32- Understanding the Times- Wise: rejoices in and embraces the truth   Foolish: ignorant of or ignores the truth   Wicked: hates and attacks the truth- Encourage, spur-on, and feed the wise  Correct, teach, and guide the fool  Drive out the wicked- John 10:11-13- Positive World (pre-1994): Society at large retains a mostly positive view of Christianity. To be known as a good, churchgoing man remains part of being an upstanding citizen. Publicly being a Christian is a status-enhancer. Christian moral norms are the basis moral norms of society and violating them can bring negative consequences.- Neutral World (1994-2014): Society takes a neutral stance towards Christianity. Christianity no longer has privileged status but is not disfavored. Being publicly known as a Christian has neither a positive nor a negative impact on one's social status. Christianity is a valid option within a pluralistic public square. Christian moral norms retain some residual effect. - Negative World (2014-Present): Society has come to have a negative view of Christianity. Begin known as a Christian is a social negative, particularly in the elite domains of society. Christian morality is expressively repudiated and seen as a threat to the public good and the new public moral order. Subscribing to Christian moral views or violating the secular moral order beings negative consequences. - Positive World (pre-1994)  Neutral World (1994-2014)  Negative World (2014-present)- “We shall soon be in a world in which a man may be howled down for saying that two and two make four, in which furious party cries will be raised against anybody who says that cows have horns, in which people will persecute the heresy of calling a triangle a three-sided figure, and hang a man for maddening a mob with the news that grass is green.” GK Chesterton- Patriarchal if you believe what the Bible says about men's leadership in the home.  Sexist if you believe what the Bible says about wives prioritizing the home and following their husbands leadership.   Racist if you believe what the Bible says about a biblical definition of justice.   Homophobic if you believe what the Bible says about marriage and sexuality.   Transphobic if you believe what the Bible says about gender.- If you believe someone is mistaken, you try to persuade them. If you believe someone is evil, you feel a moral obligation to stop them. - “Bold-hearted men are always called mean-spirited by cowards who shrink from disagreeable truths that save souls.” Charles Spurgeon - So what do we do?- Recognize it is a spiritual battle. - Ephesians 6:10-12- Pray for boldness and courage.- Acts 4:29-31- “A scared world needs a fearless church.” AW Tozer- Let your light shine in grace and in truth.- John 1:14- John 8:32- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.Stay Connected:Website: https://oasischurch.online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

In the 'Parable of the Gracious Father' (Luke 15), more commonly called the 'Parable of the Prodigal Son,' Jesus beautifully illustrates the exceedingly lavish and merciful loving grace of God enthusiastically given to anyone who turns to God through genuine repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture referenced: Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 61:10, Luke 13:22, Luke 14:25, Luke 15:1-10, Luke 15:11-24, Luke 18:13, Luke 19:10, John 5:21, 24, John 10:14-18, 26-30, Romans 2:4, Romans 3:10-18, Romans 3:10-18, Romans 3:22-25, Romans 5:1-2, 8-11, Romans 8:1, 7-8, 16-17, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Galatians 1:11-16, Ephesians 1:3-9, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 2:4-5

# Books of the Book: Embracing God's Word In today's sermon, we embarked on a journey to rediscover the profound impact and necessity of being diligent students of the Bible. As we delve into the series "Books of the Book," the focus is on understanding why engaging with Scripture is crucial for spiritual growth and resilience in a chaotic world. ## The Call to Stand Firm in Truth Pastor Chris opened with a reflection on the chaotic state of the world, emphasizing the Christian duty to respond with courage and truth. He cited **Ephesians 6:12**, reminding us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil. This sets the stage for the critical need to anchor ourselves in God's Word, which is the ultimate source of truth and peace. ## The Importance of Bible Engagement The sermon highlighted a concerning trend: many believers neglect regular Bible reading. Statistics show that only 11% of Christians read the Bible daily, while a significant portion never intends to engage with Scripture at all. This neglect, Pastor Chris argues, is a form of self-sabotage, depriving us of spiritual nourishment and guidance. ### Biblical Foundations for Success 1. **Joshua 1:7-9** - God promises Joshua success if he meditates on and obeys His Word. This passage underscores that true prosperity comes from aligning with God's commands. 2. **Proverbs 2:6** - Solomon reveals that wisdom, necessary for making life's difficult decisions, comes from God's Word. 3. **Matthew 4:4** - Jesus, during His temptation, affirms that man shall not live on bread alone but on every word from God. This illustrates the soul's need for spiritual sustenance. ## The Transformative Power of Scripture - **Hebrews 4:12** describes the Bible as living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of discerning thoughts and intentions. This power is vital for personal transformation and spiritual maturity. ### Practical Steps to Engage with Scripture - **Prioritize Quiet Time:** Commit to daily Bible reading as a non-negotiable part of life. - **Let God Speak:** Move beyond devotional snippets to immersive Scripture reading. - **Apply the Word:** Live out the teachings found in the Bible, ensuring they guide daily actions and decisions. ## Building a Foundation on the Rock In closing, Pastor Chris referenced **Matthew 7:24-27**, where Jesus likens those who hear and act on His words to a wise man building his house on the rock. This parable serves as a stark reminder that only by grounding ourselves in Scripture can we withstand life's storms. ## Conclusion The sermon concluded with a call to action: to be a people of the Word and prayer, shining God's light in a dark world. By embracing Scripture, we not only enrich our spiritual lives but also prepare ourselves to be vessels of God's peace and truth. --- As we continue this series, let us commit to making the Bible a central part of our lives, ensuring that God's wisdom and truth guide us in every step. For more insights and to join us in this journey, visit our [website](#) or attend our next service.

In Ephesians 2, Paul goes on totalk about why we are sinners, why we're dead in our trespasses and sins. Andhe describes the characteristics, the terrible condition of a person withoutJesus Christ.  Whatis our condition and problem before salvation? One, we're dead. We “weredead in trespasses and sins” (v. 1). Secondly, in verse two, Paul pointsout: “In which you once walked according to the course of this world,according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works inthe sons of disobedience” This was the beginning of man's spiritual death—hisdisobedience to the will of God. God said, "Do not eat of the tree ofthe knowledge of good and evil. In the day that you eat of it you shall surelydie" (Genesis 2:17). Satan said, "Ye shall not surely die"(Gen. 3:4), and because they believed this lie, the first man and woman sinnedand experienced immediate spiritual death and ultimate physical death. Sincethat time, mankind has lived in disobedience to God. We are born into thisworld as “sons of Adam” (Romans 5:12-19). Today we need to realize that thereare three forces that encourage man in his disobedience: the world, the devil,and the flesh. Theworld, or world-system, puts pressure on each person to try to get him toconform (Romans 12:2). The fashions of Madison Avenue, money, education, fame,all drive us to conform. Jesus Christ proclaimed that He was not "of thisworld" and neither are His people (John 8:23; 17:14). But the unsavedperson, either consciously or unconsciously, is controlled by the values andattitudes of this world. Thedevil is "the spirit that now worketh in the children ofdisobedience." This does not mean that Satan is personally at work inthe life of each unbeliever, since Satan as a created being is limited inspace. Unlike God, who is omnipresent, Satan cannot be in all places at onetime. But because of his demonic associates (Eph. 6:11-12), and his power overthe world system (John 12:31), Satan influences the lives of all unbelievers,and also seeks to influence believers. He wants to make people "childrenof disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2; 5:6). He himself was disobedient toGod, so he wants others to disobey Him too. Oneof Satan's chief tools for getting people to disobey God is lies. He is a liar(John 8:44), and it was his lie at the beginning of human history, "Youshall not surely die," that plunged the human race into sin. Theunsaved multitudes in today's world system disobey God because they believe thelies of Satan. When a person believes and practices a lie, he becomes a child, “ason of disobedience”. Theflesh is the third force that encourages the unbeliever to disobey God. By theflesh Paul does not mean the body, because of itself, the body is not sinful.The flesh refers to that fallen nature that we were born with, that wants tocontrol the body and the mind and make us disobey God. Why does a dog bark? Whydoes he behave like a dog? It's because he has a dog's nature." If somehowyou could transplant into the dog the nature of the cat, his behavior wouldchange radically. Why does a sinner behave like a sinner? Because he is bornwith and has the nature of a sinner (Psalms 51:5; 58:3). This sinful nature theBible calls "the flesh." We are not sinners because we sin. We sin becausewe are sinners. Sometimes we get this backward. Isit any wonder that the unsaved person is disobedient to God? He is controlledby the world, the flesh, and the devil, the three great enemies of God! And hecannot change his own nature and of himself overcome the world and the devil.He needs outside help, and that help can come only from God through His grace,through the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit, and through the death and resurrectionof His Son Jesus Christ. Today,thank the Lord for His wonderful grace and power that can set us free and deliverus from this terrible condition of disobedience!

Catalyst Church of Carrollton - 9/14/25 "Engineer Your Environment" Week 2 of Detox Your Mind “It is wisdom that helps a man to build a house. The house will have a strong foundation if he understands what is right. Knowledge will help him to fill its rooms with beautiful and valuable things.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭EASY‬‬  Engineer Your Environment: 1. Don't Just Remove. Replace. Luke 11:24–26-“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest… Then it returns… and finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked…” 2.  Plan Your Life. Proverbs 21:5-“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Ephesians 5:15–16-“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” 3. Fill Your Tank.  Mark 1:35-“Very early in the morning… Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Exodus 20:9-10-“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…” 4. Set and Reset Your Table. 1 Corinthians 15:33-“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”  Proverbs 13:20-“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” 

Pastor Josh looks at Ephesians 1:1-14.

This week, we continued our series in discovering what God's word has to say about the leadership of His church. Looking at three images of the church found in scripture, this week's focus was on the image of the church in Ephesians 5 where the church is depicted as the Body of Christ, and Jesus as the head of the body. 

Send us a textGet FreeGet rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice.  Ephesians 4:31…forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32Forgiveness is the key that unlocks you from the trap of an offense. Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?  Seven times?”  No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”  Matthew 18:21-22Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me.  Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?' Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. “That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Matthew 18:32-351.   Forgiveness is not saying it's OK.Forgiveness is not saying it's ok, it's saying you don't owe me.2.  Forgiveness is not a feeling .For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21Forgiveness isn't a feeling, it's a Decision.  3.  Forgiveness is not Forgetting.Forgiveness is remembering what Jesus did for you and offering the same to others. 4.  Forgiveness is not the same as Trust. 5.  Forgiveness is not dependent on someone saying I'm sorry.Forgiveness only requires one person, while reconciliation requires two or more. 6.   Forgiveness is not fair.He [God] does not treat us as our sins deserve… Psalm 103:10Forgiveness is: The Word Release or Let Go. Challenge:1. Accept God's forgiveness and follow Jesus.2. Offer forgiveness and be free.Discussion Questions:What's a small thing that easily irritates you - social media comments, traffic, jokes that hit wrong? Why do those little offenses stick to us?The outline says “bitterness comes from an offense.” Why do you think it's so hard to notice bitterness taking root until it's already producing fruit?How does the parable of the unforgiving servant challenge the way we think about justice and fairness?How does receiving God's forgiveness first make it possible to extend forgiveness to others?What would it look like for you this week to take one step toward releasing an offense—small or big? Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today's message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

Pastor Ray lays out the keys to growing up in Jesus in today's study from the book of Ephesians. It's time to grow up!

Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind's complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.Episode 17: “Restoring Human Decency: Choosing Kindness in a Divided World”In the aftermath of heartbreaking tragedy and the loss of Charlie Kirk, our nation is once again faced with a sobering reality: we are not just battling political division, but something much deeper—an erosion of human decency. In this episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Joy step away from political rhetoric to reflect on what it truly means to be human, to choose kindness, and to build bridges rather than walls.Together, they explore how acts of violence and hatred are not simply social or cultural issues, but signs of spiritual warfare. Scripture reminds us that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers” (Ephesians 6:12). These moments of darkness reveal the demonic forces at work in our world—seeking to divide, destroy, and corrupt. Yet even in this brokenness, we are called to be light-bearers, choosing love, compassion, and healthy discourse over bitterness and blame.Dr. Sarah and Raina also speak to the growing epidemic of mental illness and intrusive, demonic thoughts that plague so many in today's society. They remind listeners that behind every belief, every action, and every worldview is a story. When we approach others with curiosity and empathy rather than condemnation, we open the door to true understanding and healing.This episode is a heartfelt call to return to human decency—to remember that kindness matters, that every person carries wounds we cannot see, and that disagreement does not have to mean division. By grounding ourselves in faith, leaning into compassion, and recognizing the spiritual battle we are all in, we can begin to heal not only our relationships but also the heart of our nation.If you've been searching for a message of hope, love, and unity in a time of confusion and grief, this conversation will encourage you to anchor yourself in what matters most: faith, empathy, and the unwavering power of human decency.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley's services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTENERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Cozy Earth promo code: LOVEDOC for 40% off at Luxury Bedding and Loungewear | Cozy EarthBedJet promo link for our listeners: bedjet.com/lovedocArmra promo code: LOVEDOC for 15% off at https://armra.com/LOVEDOCPatreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley's Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley's self-paced coaching program: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyDisclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

In this episode, 'the River of Life,' Derek explores the profound biblical revelation that believers are the eternal Temple of God, designed to be filled with His presence and glory. Redeemed man in Christ is designed to be the eternal Temple of the Living God, indwelt by Him and shining forth His glory. Thus, redeemed man is the ultimate, eternal Temple of God (1Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20, 12:12, 2Cor 6:16, Ephesians 2:21-22, Rev 21:22-26). TEMPLES are designed to be dwelling places of God, and He introduced TEMPLES to reveal His ULTIMATE PURPOSE for mankind. He created MAN to be His TEMPLE, and now His plan is to redeem us, so that we might be the DWELLING PLACE of God, that God would dwell with us and IN US forever! This is God's ultimate purpose for man - that God might dwell in us and be glorified through us. All Temples of God are a blueprint of His ultimate Temple (Man), and so they describe our nature, design, purpose and operation - how God made us to function. The first clear design feature of God's Temples is that they are all tripartite in structure. That is, they are comprised of 3 distinct parts, with 3 different levels of holiness, sometimes represented by different heights: (1) The HOLY of HOLIES, where God is enthroned, (2) the HOLY PLACE, and (3) the OUTER COURT. Likewise man is (1) SPIRIT, (2) SOUL & (3) BODY (1Thessalonians 5:23). The greatest Presence of God is in the Holy of Holies, where He is enthroned as King, and His Presence (Glory) radiates like light shining forth from the Holiest Place. One picture of this FLOW of LIFE is that His SPIRIT of GRACE flows down like RIVERS from the highest place (the Holy of Holies or Throne Room) to water the lower places. We see this RIVER of LIFE in the Heavenly Temple (Rev 22:1-2), in Eden (Genesis 2:10) and in the Millennial Temple (Joel 3:18, Zechariah 14:8-9, Ezekiel 47). Jesus was a fully functioning Temple of God, who came to make us into Temples of God, with the Holy Spirit dwelling in our born again spirit (John 14:16-17, Romans 5:5, John 4:10,14), and flowing out through our heart as rivers of living water (John 7:37-39). So, now in Christ, God, the Holy Spirit lives within our reborn spirit (where Christ is enthroned), from where He wants to flow down as rivers of life to fill our souls with His light and life, and then flow out through our bodies to the world, as we obey Him, by speaking His words and doing His works. We are Temples of the Living God, who wants to fill and empower us and be glorified through us. As we let His River of life and grace flow down from our high place (our spirit) through our soul, as we submit to Him and obey Him, the trees in the garden of our soul (our thoughts and emotions) will continually flourish and grow and be fruitful to the glory of God.

Send us a textFear can creep in when our circumstances shake us, but what if God offers us something better? This week's song, “No Fear” by Jon Reddick, leads us to explore the very first mention of fear in Scripture and how God's perfect love casts it out. Together we'll trace fear from the Garden of Eden to John's letter of assurance, discovering how to rest in the confidence of God's unshakable love.Key PointsThe first mention of fear in the Bible and what it reveals (Genesis 3)What Adam's relationship with God looked like before fear entered the storyWhy context matters when studying familiar passagesHow perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18)Why confidence in salvation is the foundation for overcoming all other fearsHow God's perfect love—not our striving—sets us freeScripture ReferencesGenesis 1–3 – God's creation, Adam and Eve's relationship with Him, sin entering the world, and the first appearance of fear.Genesis 3:6–10 – Adam and Eve eat the fruit, recognize their nakedness, hide from God, and respond with fear.Genesis 2:25 – Before sin, Adam and Eve were naked but felt no shame.1 John 4:17–18 – Perfect love gives us confidence in the day of judgment and casts out fear.Psalm 119:18 – A prayer to see wonderful truths in God's Word.Ephesians 1:16–19 – Paul prays for spiritual wisdom and for believers' hearts to be enlightened.Romans 8:35–39 – Nothing—not trouble, danger, or even nakedness—can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) UsedRead in context – Take in the surrounding chapters so you don't misunderstand or misapply a single verse.Read Scripture aloud – Slows you down and helps you notice details you might otherwise skim over.Meditate on Scripture – Instead of emptying your mind, fill it with God's Word and turn it over like a diamond to see its many facets.Make a list – Organize your observations (like Adam's God-given gifts and purpose) to see patterns and truths more clearly.Pray Scripture – Turn God's Word into your personal prayer, asking Him to open your eyes and transform your heart.Additional ResourcesDownload the free Episode Guide"Behind the Song With Kevin Davis" - New Release Today Article"Why Francis Chan Abandoned His Megachurch for Living Rooms" - YouTube Interview by LacraeLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead Genesis 1-3, making note of details that may hint at Adam and God's “history” and relationship with one another. How do those details inform how Adam responded with the first mention of fear in the Bible? Read 1 John — the whole letter — and then focus in on 1 John 4 where John teaches us that perfect love casts out fear. As you meditate on Scripture, seek to answer these questions: What is the source of perfect love? Is it possible for our love to be perfected? Then note what areas of your life arePurchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18).

269. Questions for More Connection and Laughter in Marriage with Casey and Meygan Caston   *Disclaimer* This episode contains some mature themes and listener discretion is advised.   2 Corinthians 1:4 NIRV "He comforts us in all our troubles. Now we can comfort others when they are in trouble. We ourselves receive comfort from God."   *Transcript Below*   Questions and Topics We Cover: Will you share three of the questions from your most recent book, specifically the ones people have told you unlocked the best conversations in their own marriage? You say you're an unlikely couple to help support marriages. Will you share a glimpse of your own backstory? What are a handful of ideas for ways couples can strengthen their connection with one another?   Casey and Meygan Caston are the Co-Founders of Marriage365. Casey and Meygan were perfect examples of what not to do in marriage. Three years into marriage, they found themselves having racked up more than $250,000 in debt, fighting constantly, and were ready to call it quits. Despite the 12 failed marriages between their parents, they knew this wasn't the legacy they wanted for themselves or their children. They began reading and educating themselves on how to do marriage the right way. The result of their journey is Marriage365, where they millions of people worldwide through their books, social media, retreats, and their online streaming service, Marriage365.   Marriage 365 Website Marriage 365 App Marriage 365 Books Marriage 365 Coaching   Thank You to Our Sponsor: WinShape Marriage   Sample of Previous Episodes on Sexual Intimacy on The Savvy Sauce: 4 Fostering a Fun, Healthy Sex Life With Your Spouse With Certified Sex Therapist and Author, Dr. Jennifer Konzen 5 Ways to Deepen Your Intimacy in Marriage with Dr. Douglas Rosenau  6 Ten Common Questions About Sex, Shared Through a Biblical Worldview with Dr. Michael Sytsma 89 Passion Pursuit with Dr. Juli Slattery 108 Anatomy of an Affair with Dave Carder 135 Healthy Ways for Females to Increase Sexual Enjoyment with Tracey LeGrand 155 Sex in Marriage and Its Positive Effects with Francie Winslow, Part 1 156 Science and Art of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, Part 2 158 Making Love in Marriage with Debra Fileta 165 Mutually Pleasing Sex in Marriage with Gary Thomas 186 Sex Series: Enhancing Female Pleasure and Enjoyment of Sex: An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Degler 218 Secrets of Sex and Marriage: An Interview with Dr. Michael Sytsma Special Patreon Release: Protecting Your Marriage Against Unfaithfulness with Dave Carder 252 Maximizing Sexual Connection as Newlyweds to Long Term Marriages and Recovering from a Sexless Marriage with Dr. Clifford & Joyce Penner   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcript*   Music: (0:00 – 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 1:15)  Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.    Today's message is not intended for little ears. We'll be discussing some adult themes, and I want you to be aware before you listen to this message.    I'm thrilled to introduce you to our sponsor, WinShape Marriage. Their weekend marriage retreats will strengthen your marriage while you enjoy the gorgeous setting, delicious food, and quality time with your spouse.   To find out more, visit them online at winshapemarriage.org.    Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Casey and Meygan.   Casey Caston:  Thanks for having us. Excited to be here.   Laura Dugger: So, thrilled to have both of you, and let's just dive right into one of your sweet spots. How can open-ended questions change a marriage?   Casey Caston: (1:16 - 2:33)  Yeah, well, if you think about when we first met somebody that we fell in love with, fell attracted to that first date, as you're sitting across the table, you are looking at that person with so much curiosity. Like, who is this person? What are their hopes and their dreams and their life experiences?   What are they afraid of? Where are they going in life? And that curiosity drove us to ask really good open-ended questions.   Like, tell me more about yourself. It's funny because we were just reading in Proverbs this morning that in a man's heart, he has a purpose, but a man of understanding draws from the deep wells to pull that out. And I just, I always think about how a great question plums the deep wells of a man's heart or woman's heart.   And that attraction, that energy we feel, helps us with asking great questions. But then what happens is when we get married and we move into the wash, rinse, repeat of childcare and chores and, you know, the mundaneness of going to work, coming home, dinner, like, it can really sap all of the romance out of a relationship. And so, what happens is we fall into asking really boring questions.   Meygan Caston: (2:33 - 2:34)  Like, how was your day?   Casey Caston: (2:34 - 2:36)  What's picking up the kids?   Meygan Caston: (2:36 - 2:37)  What's for dinner? Yeah.   Casey Caston: (2:38 - 3:18)  So, we realize that when the well is dry, so to speak, you're not asking those great questions. We need prompts. We need an outside prompt because I don't think naturally we would ask great questions to spark this, you know, connecting conversation.   And I will tell you too, that if you just dropped in and, you know, just ask your spouse, like, “Hey, so, tell me some boundaries we need to set up with your parents.” People are going to be like, “Excuse me, where did that question come from? And what's the question behind the question?   What's your motivation here?” But those are conversations we need to have. We just need prompts.   So, yeah.   Laura Dugger: (3:19 - 3:32)  Well, I love that response. And I'm also curious after working with so many married couples, what have you seen as that connection between these amazing prompts for open-ended questions and emotional intimacy?   Meygan Caston: (3:34 - 4:20)  Yeah. Well, kind of like what Casey was mentioning about, um, just that curiosity of getting to know each other. I think the other part of asking those open-ended questions and having these deeper conversations is really about intentionality.   Like you still care about me. You still want to know about my heart. Well, for us, 25 years later, I still care about you.   I still love you. And I think that of course, as women, we long for that emotional connection. And I don't think that men realize it, but they actually long for that too.   And it's creating a safe place for spouses to share, to cry, to even, um, dream together about their future. And I think, again, if we don't give ourselves those opportunities and we're not intentional with that, we get stuck in the mundaneness of marriage.   Casey Caston: (4:20 - 5:03)  But, uh, and I would add to that, that curiosity, Meygan, I've talked about how curiosity is the pursuit of something. Right. And we all long to be desired to be pursued.   I mean, that is, that underlying communication is so powerful in relationships, because if you think about it, if you're not being pursued and your spouse isn't curious, I mean, that's like the, the heart of apathy. It's like, I don't care. And I know that people aren't intentionally trying to communicate that, but when you feel that, like my spouse doesn't really care about what I dream about or what I'm hoping to achieve this year, they just come home and they just watch TV or they're on their phone.   Meygan Caston: (5:04 - 5:18)  Right. That communicates a lot non-verbally. And so, that's why these open-ended questions are something that we should never stop being a learner of each other and of ourselves.   And that will provide that emotional intimacy.   Laura Dugger: (5:19 - 5:45)  That's so good. And obviously your resources are amazing. I would love, because you have these 365 Connecting Questions for Couples.   And so, I want to just hear maybe three of these questions that come to mind for you guys, especially as you've heard, these are the ones that tend to unlock something deeper in the conversation.   Meygan Caston: (5:46 - 6:07)  Absolutely. So, August 3rd is, are you someone who spends a lot of time in deep thought, processing things before making a decision, or do you tend to make quick decisions? Why or why not?   That question has genuinely sparked so much conversation between us and even like with our kids and other couples. Maybe you can explain why.   Casey Caston: (6:07 - 6:11)  Yeah. Well, I'm Mr. Impulsivity, so.   Meygan Caston: (6:11 - 6:29)  Yeah, you are. Where I, I don't, I wouldn't consider myself a deep thinker, but I definitely like to make pros and cons lists and think through things. But if you think about a dynamic between a husband and a wife, you know, there are so many decisions that you make together, small and large, your whole life, every day.   Casey Caston: (6:29 - 6:30)  Decision-making is huge in relationships.   Meygan Caston: (6:31 - 6:57)  And it's an everyday thing that couples are tackling. And it's important to know that no one is better than the other. It's not that a deep thinker is better than a more impulsive person. It's kind of more just naturally how you are. Have you always been this way? Do you like that about yourself?   Wow. You know, well, when it comes to these bigger decisions, I do spend, make more time, you know, thinking through and pros and cons. Oh, well, with small decisions, I'm more impulsive. I mean, you could just talk about that for hours and hours.   Casey Caston: (6:57 - 7:01) Yeah. But what's interesting is I tend to think more futuristic and big picture.   Meygan Caston: (7:01 - 7:01)  Yes.   Casey Caston: (7:01 - 7:03)  Even though I'm impulsive in the moment.   Meygan Caston: (7:03 - 7:05)  And I cannot, I can't do that.   Casey Caston: (7:05 - 7:06)  You are Ms. Realist.   Meygan Caston: (7:06 - 7:08)  Just tell me today, tell me this week.   Casey Caston: (7:09 - 7:10)  I can't think about this fun sponge.   Meygan Caston: (7:11 - 7:11)  Yes. Yeah.   Casey Caston: (7:12 - 7:15)  Because I'm like, let's dream big. And she's like, yeah, but what's happening today?   Meygan Caston: (7:16 - 7:49)  Yeah. Yeah. Another great question is January 18th.   How can we romance each other during the day in anticipation of sex? Because as we all know, us ladies, we need the foreplay. But again, I think that husbands also enjoy the foreplay.   But I don't think that couples are having these conversations. I think they think a foreplay is, well, once we enter into the bedroom, you know, and what we like to say is it's anything positive is foreplay. So, a thoughtful text, you know, a flirty I'm going to grab your hand to empty out the dishwasher.   Casey Caston: (7:49 - 7:50)  Amen.   Meygan Caston: (7:50 - 7:55)  Yeah. You know, it's those kinds of conversations. But like, I would never think of asking you that.   Casey Caston: (7:56 - 7:56)  Right.   Meygan Caston: (7:56 - 7:58)  Right. Thankfully for those.   Casey Caston: (7:58 - 8:10)  But as you know, Laura, like couples that need to talk about their sex life. And if you don't talk about your sex life, most oftentimes there's a lot of assumptions. And that leads to, you know, dysfunction.   Meygan Caston: (8:11 - 9:14)  Well, and missed expectations. Totally. Yeah. And then I have another question. April 25th is how do our differences help complement each other?   Oh, so, kind of another one of those things, like with making decisions. Every single couple has differences. And we always tell people Casey, and I are more different than alike.   I think people see us online and whatnot. And they hear, oh, we're both extroverts. We are. So, we have some similarities. We're both stubborn, very competitive, both competitive. But in the day-to-day operations of who Casey and Meygan are, we make decisions, we run our lives, run our business, run our business.   We are completely opposite. And what I think it's good to do for couples is to actually own your differences rather than shy away from them or make yourselves feel bad, like, oh, I wish we were the same. I get it.   You know, we actually are attracted to those things when we're dating. That's why opposites attract. But then when we get married, it's like, why doesn't he do everything the same way? I do it because I do it the right way. That's what we think. Right.   Casey Caston: (9:15 - 9:21)  Well, you heard the joke that marriage is about becoming one. And in the earlier years, it's about which one.   Meygan Caston: (9:21 - 10:14)  Yeah. Which one? Which figure out?   Yeah. And so, that question really allows you to identify your differences, but then go, how do they balance each other out? And I think for me, as someone who is organized, type A Casey's very spontaneous.   If we were both type A and structured, we wouldn't have a lot of fun. We really wouldn't. His spontaneity really brings out that side of me.   But if we were both spontaneous, our bills would never be paid, and we'd be broke. So, you know, I'm a I'm a saver. He's a spender.   You can see the balance in that. It's good that we're both those things. Right.   I'm on time. He's late. We could continue going on and on and on and on.   But I think that he's a risk taker. I'm a complete play it safer. And so, those really draw out a beautiful balance in our marriage versus trying to change one another.   So, I hope that question sparks listeners to really ask your spouse that and have fun with the conversation.   Laura Dugger: (10:15 - 11:03)  Well, you chose three great ones. I love it. And they draw out such different parts of our personality.   You highlighted where Casey's more futuristic. Meygan, you're more present. Some people will connect with questions that direct them more past oriented.   And so, our orientation to time comes out and the meta conversations, the talking like having the conversation about your conversation. Just so much goodness. And yes, especially with sexual intimacy.   So, many couples report that it is much harder to engage in conversation about sex rather than just have sex. And like you said, missed expectations can be one of the blow ups there, among many other things. So, you have questions that don't shy away from all forms of intimacy.   Meygan Caston: (11:04 - 11:10)  Yeah. And to also say we have a lot of fun questions, too. Like, tell me about what your bedroom looked like when you were a teenager.   Casey Caston: (11:11 - 11:12)  That's a great one. I love that one.   Meygan Caston: (11:12 - 11:47)  Let's talk couples. If you had a really hard day with the kids or at work, pick a fun question. You don't have to go by the date.   If you don't like the question, it's triggering, then flip to the next one. But going back to that emotional intimacy and connection that you were talking about, Laura, is you have to have those deep questions and those conversations. And you did when you were dating, because if you went on a date with your husband and you were like, hey, tell me, you know, what do you want to do when you retire?   And he was like, I don't know. Yeah, you'd be like snooze fest. This guy's boring, right?   Or if he was on his phone the whole time, there was something intriguing about your spouse.   Casey Caston: (11:47 - 11:48)  I don't know. I don't know.   Meygan Caston: (11:48 - 12:01)  Yeah, there was something intriguing about your spouse when you were dating and you were asking those questions that should never stop. Just like we hear that quote, never stop dating your spouse. Well, never stop learning about your spouse.   It's the same thing. Absolutely.   Laura Dugger: (12:02 - 12:16)  And I love how you two have such a humble approach because you say that you're a very unlikely couple to help support marriages. So, will you let us in on your own backstory?   Meygan Caston: (12:17 - 12:46)  Yeah, well, can I just start off by saying this? We live in a county that has one of the highest divorce rates in the nation. So, it's 72 percent divorce rate where we live.   We also come from there's 12 marriages between our parents. So, we come from so much divorce and trauma. And then we also got married very, very, very young.   So, all those statistics were against us on top of that. I'm just going to start off by saying that. Casey Caston: (12:46 - 13:18)  Yeah, my mom's been married six times. So, when by the time I hit junior high, I had probably like nine different iterations of home life and different dads and step siblings and half brothers. And all of that between both of our parents.   There's just there's some mental illness. There's affairs. There's all this trauma that was really unprocessed.   But then when Meygan and I saw each other, it was like we knew the wounds that we shared. It was like almost like a trauma bond.   Meygan Caston: (13:19 - 13:19)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (13:19 - 14:08)  Like, oh, I've got abandonment. So, do you. And, you know, let's do it's like, wow.   So, let's make each other happy. And dating was just all the fun stuff, right? It was long walks along the beach.   It was going to street fairs or, you know, going out and having fun. And then we're like, if this is what life could be like, then we should do this forever and ever and ever. And just, you know, we were so doe eyed of like and optimistic about how marriage life would look like.   So, then once we did get married, done, done, done, we had to like work through stuff. Now, I was so conflict avoidant because I was afraid if there was conflict, then that means that there's going to be distance between Meygan and I and she might leave me.   Meygan Caston: (14:08 - 14:24)  Oh, there's another there's another difference. I'm a fighter. He's a fighter.   So, anytime we would have conflict triggers, you know, emotional regulation, I was like, we're going to go for it. Now, of course, my fighting tactics were not healthy. I yelled. I blamed. I was very aggressive, assertive.   Casey Caston: (14:24 - 14:37)  Conflict was very scary for me. Now. Now, Meygan, she's like wanting to deal with issues. And here I am, like trying to run for the hills. And she's like, he doesn't care about me. And I'm like, I'm trying to protect the marriage by not dealing with it.   Meygan Caston: (14:37 - 14:49)  So, you never really resolved anything. We would fight really bad. We broke all the fighting rules.   And then there was no true resolve, no apologies, no remorse. And you just kind of move forward.   Casey Caston: (14:49 - 15:06)  And so, then we piled ourselves like we had over two hundred fifty thousand dollars of debt when we started to try to work on getting pregnant. We we dealt with infertility. We I have ADHD, so that creates a lot of that's fun.   A lot of fun for the marriage.   Meygan Caston: (15:06 - 15:08)  The divorce rate is very high with ADHD.   Casey Caston: (15:08 - 15:10)  My life gets to teach you patience.   Meygan Caston: (15:11 - 15:11)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (15:12 - 16:44)  But and then we have a child with special needs as well. So, we we had like if there's something that could go wrong, it it went wrong. We had you know, once we got married, there was toxic in-laws that boundaries that were crossed.   So, it just nothing for us came easy. And so, that's why we were the least likely to succeed in marriage. I mean, if we there was a couple doomed from the get go, it was Meygan and I believe a hundred percent that God used those trials, those hardships to create marriage.   Three sixty five. He gave us the strength to, you know, have the courage to say we're not going to follow in our parents footsteps. We're going to change that.    You know, it ends with us literally like we are going to change and break this generational sin because it goes back many, many generations for both of us. Our whole family is littered with divorce. And now like when we approach marriage, it because of where we've come from, it wasn't all flowery.   It was really tough. We have to be practical and very tactical with our advice, because when you're sitting across from a couple that's angry and resentful. We have to sit there and go, we know what that's like.   And here's exactly what you need to do next. I'm not going to give you a platitude. I'm not going to give you some flowery statement or we're not going to just talk through it.    No, we're going to give you a tool and an action step that's going to help you. Laura Dugger: (16:46 - 18:56)  Let's take a quick break to hear a message from our sponsor. Friends, I'm excited to share with you today's sponsor, WinShape Marriage. Do you feel like you need a weekend away with your spouse and a chance to grow in your relationship together at the same time?    WinShape Marriage is a fantastic ministry that provides weekend marriage retreats to help couples grow closer together in every season and stage of life from premarital to parenting to the emptiness phase. There is an opportunity for you. WinShape Marriage is grounded on the belief that the strongest marriages are the ones that are nurtured, even when it seems things are going smoothly so that they're stronger if they do hit a bump along their marital journey.   These weekend retreats are hosted within the beautiful refuge of WinShape Retreat, perched in the mountains of Rome, Georgia, which is a short drive from Atlanta, Birmingham and Chattanooga. While you're there, you will be well fed, well nurtured and well cared for. During your time away in this beautiful place, you and your spouse will learn from expert speakers and explore topics related to intimacy, overcoming challenges, improving communication and more.   I've stayed on site at WinShape before, and I can attest to their generosity, food and content. You will be so grateful you went to find an experience that's right for you and your spouse. Head to their website, winshapemarriage.org/savvy. That's W-I-N-S-H-A-P-E marriage dot org slash S-A-V-V-Y. Thanks for your sponsorship.   I'd love to hear even more into the redemption part of it, because Marriage 365, you had shared before we had recorded that you launched that in 2013. So, just to get the timeline straight, had you already done some work and some counseling before you launched that?   Meygan Caston: (18:56 - 19:26)  Or what was that journey? Yeah, so, we always say we it took us two years to fall in love and get married. It took us three years to destroy our marriage, and it took about four or five years to repair our marriage.   It was, as you know, Laura, it is not a quick fix when your marriage is as bad as ours. And so, our story is unique in the sense where we were both not wanting to get help for our marriage. I love you, babe, but he was resistant.   He didn't want to go to therapy. His family didn't go to therapy. That wasn't normalized.   Casey Caston: (19:26 - 19:31)  Well, my faith background said that therapy is bad from the from the devil.   Meygan Caston: (19:31 - 19:38)  It was specifically your parents. But from the devil. Yeah, because I have a faith background, too. And my parents went to therapy. But that's what I was saying.   Casey Caston: (19:38 - 19:40)  My background was that you don't do that.   Meygan Caston: (19:40 - 21:16)  Yeah. So, I was wanting to get divorced and he wouldn't divorce me. He was like, no.   So, if you're going to do it, you got to do it. And so, I got help for myself. And I had the most amazing woman who a therapist who just walked me through basically how to save my marriage by myself.   And she goes, listen, you know, at the end of the day, if you want to make a better marriage, it starts by making a better you. You have zero control over Casey. You have 100 percent control over you.   He's not here. You are. I can show you how to communicate, how to forgive him even without getting an apology.   I can show you how to bring to his defenses down. I can show you how to create boundaries so he doesn't yell at you anymore. I mean, and that's literally for 13 months I worked on myself. And I believe that that is what genuinely changed everything. And that's really the message behind Marriage 365 is if you want to make a better marriage, it starts by making a better you. Stop waiting around for your husband or your wife to get on board.   They may never. Then you're only going to build resentment while you sit there and wait. At the end of the day, you're responsible for how you show up.   And so, in that 13 months, the hope was, of course, that I would positively influence Casey, which I did. And he saw the change in me. Everything changed.   I mean, like we both used to be yellers, right? We would both yell and scream. And I was like, I'm not going to yell anymore.   Like, I just I don't want to be a yeller of a mom. I don't want to be a yeller of a wife. Like, I don't like this part of me. My mom was a yeller. I mean, oh, yeah, I hate this. And I just remember like one day he came walking in and he was all heated and frustrated and he started yelling at me. And do you remember what I did, babe?   Casey Caston: (21:17 - 21:33)  Yeah. She looked at me and calmly said, you know, I can tell that you're very upset. I really want to have to listen to what you want to share with me.   Why don't you go outside, take a break, come back in? We're going to sit back on the couch. We can talk about it. I'm here for you. And I was like, what a change.   Meygan Caston: (21:33 - 22:07)  Who is this person? I changed the way that we did marriage. I did that.   And I tell people that I didn't do that once. I didn't do it twice. I did that for months because we had habits we had created.   But I was like, that was like a new boundary. I'm like, I'm not going to engage with him when he's angry. It's been triggered.   Nothing good is coming from this. So, it was all of that we started to really adopt and learn together because he's like, you're a different person. Like, it was obvious we were doing the tango.   And now I was doing the rumba and he was over there doing the tango. And I'm like, come join me in the healthy rumba over here because it's way better.   Casey Caston: (22:07 - 22:09)  And so, for toxic tango.   Meygan Caston: (22:09 - 23:20)  Yeah, we went to a marriage. Yeah, we went to a marriage intensive. And we did some therapy.   We did a lot of self-help. But through that journey, this is kind of where we started Marriage 365 is. First off, we couldn't afford therapy.   We needed to pay off all that debt that we had with a lot of student loan debt, a lot of stupid debt. What do you do if you can't afford therapy? What do you do if you don't have a good therapist?   What do you do if you have a bad experience with therapy? What do you do if the books aren't enough? And that was there was a really big hole and missing part in the marriage.   I don't say industry, but in the marriage space, where were all the online resources? Because this was back again in like 2010 when like podcasts weren't even around, social media was just becoming a thing. And it was really hard.   We were really disappointed with the lack of resources there were for marriage. And it felt like every church you go to, there was, you know, the missions ministry and the children's ministry and the youth groups. And all those are great.   Where in the world are all the marriage ministries? Then we found out only 3% of churches have actual paid marriage ministries. And I thought, that's messed up.   That's reverse. It's supposed to be the opposite, because then everything else will work itself out, as we know, with what research shows.   Casey Caston: (23:20 - 23:21)  Same with men's ministry, by the way.   Meygan Caston: (23:21 - 23:22)  Yes, same with men's ministry.   Casey Caston: (23:22 - 23:23)  Men's and marriage.   Meygan Caston: (23:23 - 23:26)  That's like the stepchild.   Casey Caston: (23:26 - 23:33)  Tech guy slash men's guy slash, you know. Children's persons can also do marriage.   Meygan Caston: (23:33 - 23:40)  So, we really just started helping our friends out. Obviously, people could see the change. Then people would come to us. We started helping couples at our church.   Casey Caston: (23:40 - 23:48)  And we had a ghoul pool. Like people were like, we give you guys another like ten months and then we're expecting you.   Meygan Caston: (23:48 - 23:51)  Yeah, everyone that knew us thought we'd get divorced.   Casey Caston: (23:51 - 23:52)  We were messy.   Meygan Caston: (23:52 - 23:58)  We were bad. Yeah. So, to see the complete transformation. And again, I go back to that work we did was on ourselves.   Casey Caston: (23:58 - 25:31)  And I just have to say that if you want to make a better marriage, it starts by making a better you. If you're hearing that. And you're kind of in a one sided marriage right now, I got to just say, I know that message sucks because it's a message that says you have to go first.   And that's not fair. In a marriage, you're supposed to be a team. But I do want to say there's so many couples that are stuck. Waiting for their spouse to join them on the let's get healthy train. So, their spouse doesn't join them. And then what they do is they kind of lean back, fold their arms and go, well, I guess we're stuck.   But I want to say that that's there is a message of empowerment to say you do have influence and the ability to steer your marriage in a healthy way. I have lots of regret that I did not join that train much sooner. But the story is that Meygan, you know, became the hero of our journey.   And that is something that I work actively so that I'm never in that place again, that I am the one that's always actively trying to improve myself, that I'm a better communicator, that I'm not a yeller, which we've ditched that a long time ago, that that I'm considered of Meygan's needs. And I'm even like attuned to like, what is she feeling? And how do I meet her where she's at?   Laura Dugger: (25:32 - 25:54)  Which is amazing that watching Meygan, it was compelling enough for you to join in. And it's admirable on both sides, the work that you've done. And are there any specific areas that you grew in that now you teach couples? I'm thinking specifically under conflict and repair or communication.   Casey Caston: (25:55 - 27:42)  Yeah. So, I remember those early years and every single week was chaos to chaos. Like coming home, it'd be like, what's for dinner?   I'm hungry and we need to make a decision now. Or, you know, it's Friday night or Saturday morning. What's going on this weekend?   Or where's all our money going? It was very, it was very reactionary. And I remember reading through Stephen Covey's, you know, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.   And the first habit is be proactive. You cannot be intentional with your life. You cannot create purpose and meaning unless you are proactive with your life.   So, Meygan and I, you know, I'm working in a company and every single week we get together and we go through what are everyone's goals? What do we need to accomplish this week? We find alignment and the week goes really well.   We've got KPIs. We've got all these like, hey, as a team, you know, work team, here's what we're trying to accomplish this week. And it just kind of dawned on us like, well, why don't we do that in marriage?   Why don't we do that for a family? You got a family of six. You got six people running around the house. All have agendas. And you are trying to find alignment so that, hey, this is what the family is all about this week, right? We've got tournaments.   We've got parties. We've got projects. We've got meals.   And I think for so many couples we talk to, they live. Life with purpose on like building their career or their business or purpose with other areas of their life. And then when it comes to family, they wing it.   Meygan Caston: (27:42 - 27:43)  They just wing it.   Casey Caston: (27:43 - 28:31)  Yeah. And it's like, well, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. It's the winging attitude creates chaos.   And so, Meygan and I love to teach this tool called the Weekly Marriage Business Meeting. And it is all of the logistics of our relationship schedules, meal plans, budgets, connection time, sexy time, alone time, self-care time. Yeah.   And and we kind of set with intention the week ahead for us. And we go through all the decisions of who's going, what, where, when. And all of that's done.   So, when you walk into the day, you're not like stressed about what's supposed to be happening. There is alignment and there's no missed expectations.   Meygan Caston: (28:31 - 29:27)  Yeah, there's no fights anymore about, well, you said you'd be home at six. No, I didn't. I said I'd be home at seven.   We sync our calendars. And I think, too, a big thing with this is we've noticed we fight when we don't do this now. It's one of those tools that it's prevented most of conflict.   I mean, we say it will on average for the most couples that use it. We have at least over 10,000 couples we know right now currently using it that are our members that they say it cuts conflict in half in half, because what you're doing is you're even scheduling that connection time or date night time where you're like, no matter how busy we are, when are Casey and Meygan going to get to be Casey and Meygan?   And that's so important, because again, if you're winging it and you're just trying to find time to connect, well, you've got four kids, we've got two teenagers. It's never going to happen. Right. And so, the weekly marriage business meeting is definitely one of the amazing and favorite worksheets and tools that we've taught and that we use ourselves because it works.   Casey Caston: (29:28 - 29:28)  Yeah.   Laura Dugger: (29:28 - 29:59)  What a game changer. That is awesome and so practical, so intentional, which we're all about. But then also we had talked about emotional intimacy earlier and emotional intimacy is interconnected with sexual intimacy and communication is the root issue.   And that's what you teach couples. So, what are some conversations that couples can begin so that they can grow in both of those types of intimacy and enjoyment?   Casey Caston: (30:01 - 31:34)  Yeah, so, I feel like I have to start off by saying I got this so wrong when we were first married. It's OK. I forgive you now.   Yeah, because, you know. Let's just let's be we'll be we'll be completely transparent. So, Meygan and I waited to have sex until we were married.   So, now I actually waited till I was married to have sex. And I thought that under that purity guideline, I was promised maybe by a youth group, maybe by a convention, that if you withhold sex and remain pure, God is going to bless you with the best sex life when you're married. And that just simply did not happen.   Like when we first got married, I really got went into the bedroom thinking. I don't know what foreplay is, but let's have intercourse until I come and then we're done. And that's sex. That's our sexual intimacy. And we missed out on so many intimate ways of knowing each other and sex being an obligation and something like I just was demanding of it from Meygan. And. What I've come to discover and what I love to teach other men is that sex is so much more broader than just having intercourse. I mean, there was this total understanding like, well, I feel good during intercourse. This feels very stimulating, which means that Meygan must feel the exact same way while we're having intercourse.   Meygan Caston: (31:35 - 31:35)  Nope.   Casey Caston: (31:36 - 32:35)  Because that's because listen, I never had sex before. But anytime I watched a rom com, you know, the guy threw up, you know, against the wall or they're having intercourse and she's going and he's going and they're having a great time. Like this must be what sex is all about.   And what I've discovered now and I get to teach other men is that emotional intimacy is kind of the birthplace of sexual expression of love, right? That we we create safe places for our wives to to open up. And because of that, they become more willing and wanting that that sexual expression rather than us just coming in and saying, OK, it's time for sex.   Let's go. And so, when we talk about just this book, this 365 Connecting Questions for Couples, I tell my guys, I'm like, hey, if you want to have great sex, start here because that is foreplay.   Meygan Caston: (32:35 - 33:48)  That's start here. It's good to know my heart, not just use me for my body, which can feel like that for a lot of people. And I think going back to the emotional intimacy, I think that, again, you had that when you were dating or you wouldn't have gotten married.   There was no way you were. If the person was boring, closed off, if, you know, your spouse was just completely on their phone every time, you wouldn't have had that second, third, fourth date. So, there was emotional intimacy at some point, which means you can't ever say we never had it.    You can always get it back, but you can have to be intentional. And I think a great way is we call it connection time. I think date night scares a lot of people.    I think it's the idea of. We have to go to a restaurant, we have to spend money, we have to find a babysitter, all these hurdles that you have to go through to make it happen, so then couples just don't even do it. So, we're like, listen, if you if that's overwhelming to you, then try connection time.    And really what that is, it's still undivided, you know, attention and time with you and your spouse. Maybe it's smaller, maybe it's 15 minutes, 30 minutes. And I know for when our kids were little, we played board games and card games and they'd go to bed, you know, at 7:30 or 8:00 PM.    And we would bring out Yahtzee.   Casey Caston: (33:48 - 33:51)  There'd be a lot of trash talking over chutes and ladders.   Meygan Caston: (33:52 - 34:29)  But we would play. We would play games. And it was our time to connect.    And when we didn't talk about the kids, you know, we just chatted about our day and again, going through some of these connecting questions that didn't even really exist yet, but they were in our heads. Taking a walk with the dog and, you know, going to a little local coffee shop, even if it's just 30 minutes and sharing and talking and exploring that emotional intimacy should never stop again. And that's going to give people opportunities to then go into the bedroom, like Casey mentioned, more willing and more excited to be intimate to each other because it's like, oh, that's right.    We like each other. We're still married. We're still friends.   Casey Caston: (34:29 - 35:15)  You bring up a great point. Like I said, I think sitting down over the table, staring at each other can be intimidating for a lot of guys, because especially if this is not a regular habit in your relationship and taking a walk for guys when we're doing something and maybe it's less intimidating because we're not even staring at each other. But that kind of like getting the, you know, oxytocin going, like getting moving, like that kind of adrenaline can actually stimulate guys for good conversations and processing things.    And so, what we hear from a lot of couples that take our book, maybe they'll take a picture of the question and they'll go, Hey, let's take a walk. And then they'll use the question on their walk.   Meygan Caston: (35:15 - 35:15)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (35:15 - 35:24)  And that gets conversations going. So, if that's like a on ramp onto this, that's a that's a great starting point for a lot of people.   Laura Dugger: (35:24 - 36:48)  Oh, that's so good. And I love how you say just an on ramp, because the goal is more intimacy overall together to know one another, be known. And I love that you're showing this is not a manipulation factor.    This isn't ask these questions so we can be more active in the bedroom, regardless of whichever spouse is the higher desire one. But this is to really enhance all levels of your relationship. And as you talk about oxytocin, it just makes me think such an interesting cycle that the Lord created where I will speak more stereotypically that where women require the emotional connection and then they open up and enjoy sex more.    But then men, once they've had sex and they just have this like 500 percent increase of oxytocin in this neurochemical bath that opens them up emotionally. And we could see it even as we view our differences. You could be upset because they're opposite or we can see it as a gift that they can fuel one another.    And then we get more of a holistic picture of overall intimacy. So, I'll also link to quite a few episodes because we do about one per month where we dive deeper into sexual intimacy. S   o, I can link all of those in the show notes.    But Casey, were you going to say something?   Meygan Caston: (36:49 - 36:50)  I want to say something to it.   Casey Caston: (36:51 - 37:16)  He loves. Well, so, we're talking chicken and egg, right? Like who gets the emotional intimacy, who gets the physical intimacy first?    And I just think that there's if we approach our relationship with selfishness, well, then neither people get satisfied. But if we are in an approach to serve one another and be selfless lovers. So, men would be like, you know what?    I want to meet my wife's emotional needs.   Meygan Caston: (37:16 - 37:16)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (37:17 - 37:38)  Like and I do believe that men are the spark of initiation. If you're a husband out there listening to this, like that one of your greatest gifts to marriage is initiation. You were the one who asked for the first date.    You were the one who got down one the knee. You are the spark of initiation. And I believe that God's created women as nurturers of that initiation.   Meygan Caston: (37:39 - 37:41)  And to clarify, you're not talking just about initiating sex.   Casey Caston: (37:41 - 37:43)  Well, yes. Just everything.   Meygan Caston: (37:43 - 37:55)  Initiating, just initiating, initiating a weekly marriage business meeting. Women are so turned on by when a husband's like, hey, I don't necessarily know what we want to do for a date night, but I want to take you on a date. Can I get an amen, Laura?   Laura Dugger: (37:55 - 37:56)  Right, sister?   Meygan Caston: (37:57 - 38:14)  Hey, women are turned on. Listen, men, women are turned on. If you say, you know what?    I know that like this has been an issue with my parents and I don't even know how to handle it, but I really want to have that conversation. Oh, my gosh. Just initiating the conversation is all we're looking for.    It's OK that you don't have all the answers.   Casey Caston: (38:14 - 38:14)  Yeah.   Meygan Caston: (38:14 - 38:23)  But for men that avoid stonewall, escape, numb out, busy themselves, it is such a turnoff. It is so not what we want.   Laura Dugger: (38:23 - 39:55)  I want to make sure that you're up to date with our latest news. We have a new website. You can visit theSavvySauce.com and see all of the latest updates. You may remember Francie Heinrichsen from episode 132, where we talked about pursuing our God given dreams. She is the amazing businesswoman who has carefully designed a brand-new website for Savvy Sauce Charities. And we are thrilled with the final product.    So, I hope you check it out there. You're going to find all of our podcasts now with show notes and transcriptions listed a scrapbook of various previous guests and an easy place to join our email list to receive monthly encouragement and questions to ask your loved ones so that you can have your own practical chats for intentional living. You will also be able to access our donation button or our mailing address for sending checks that are tax deductible so that you can support the work of Savvy Sauce Charities and help us continue to reach the nation with the good news of Jesus Christ.    So, make sure you visit theSavvySauce.com.    Okay, so, then continue the conversation with just overall intimacy. What are some examples of de-escalation techniques that you recommend to couples who are in conflict, ones that can maybe help the strained relationships so that they can be repaired?  Yeah.   Meygan Caston: (39:55 - 42:19)  Yeah. So, a big thing that I've learned as someone who's very direct, I can tend to be on that, like I mentioned, fighter side. And I know a lot of women, studies have shown 75 percent of us ladies are the ones that typically bring up the issues.    So, just be aware that there is a gender difference there. And if you're a dude, there's nothing wrong with you if you're in, you know, that 75 percent or 25 percent. But I think the biggest thing I've recognized is to remind your spouse in the very beginning of the conversation, why you're having the conversation.    You know, I love you. I love us. I want to see us be the best people that we can be.    I want to see us enjoy marriage and enjoy life. I love you. Like bring the positivity and the reminder that you're better together than apart.    And really, that's part of what we call a soft startup, right? There's a lot of different soft startups you've heard of. You know, I feel when you I need those work to but I like to take it a little bit deeper to say, remind your spouse how much that you love being married to them.    Or again, whatever the issue is like we have the most. Let's say it's parenting. Casey and I are very different in our parenting styles.    Last night would have been a great difference of how that happened. But like reminder that like we both love our children. We both want the best for our kids.    No one doubts that. We both have made we made two beautiful, wonderful, quirky children. Right.    And so, even you can start the conversation with that. But I wish that more people did that because I think people are are, you know, I'm really upset about something. OK, well, the second you say that defenses, sorry, but defenses are going to go up.    We want to keep the conversations defenses low, guards low, right, de-escalation. And so, use soft startups, use kind, positive language. But I think another thing behind that would be come to the conversation processed.    Do not have these conversations 11 o'clock at night when you're tired or when you're hungry. Do not have these conversations when it just happened and you haven't had the time to just like stop. Think about what do I really need?    Why did that trigger me? What am I hoping to achieve? Why is my husband acting this way?    Oh, is he under a lot of stress? Yeah, we got to give ourselves time to sit and process before we even use those soft startups. So, that would be my advice for de-escalation.   Casey Caston: (42:20 - 43:04)  And mine actually would be an apology. I think that we all make mistakes. And when you think about a couple that's maybe living reactively, just winging it, I doubt that there's ever an apology that's given on either side because it takes a little it takes awareness to recognize, gosh, you know what?    My that little comment I just made that probably had a little zing to it. Or, you know, I really let my spouse down by not parenting the children the way she would want me to. Or, you know, I said I was going to do something and I didn't.    And I let my partner down. You want to de-escalate a tense situation. Apologize.   Meygan Caston: (43:04 - 43:04)  Yeah. Own it.   Casey Caston: (43:05 - 43:12)  When you apologize, you know, you're taking all of the heat out of the fire. They really are.   Meygan Caston: (43:12 - 43:16)  And you're validating your spouse's feelings. Who doesn't want to be validated and seen? Everybody does.   Casey Caston: (43:16 - 43:38)  And then you're taking responsibility and accountability for your actions, which is the trust builder for relationships. So, that's why when you talk about high conflict relationships, there aren't a lot of there's not a lot of trust there. It's not a safe place anymore.    So, to create that safety, we want to we want to build trust back into the relationship.   Laura Dugger: (43:39 - 43:50)  Those are fantastic. And do you guys just have maybe a handful of ideas for ways that couples can strengthen their marriage with one another?   Meygan Caston: (43:51 - 44:09)  Absolutely. I would say, obviously, the weekly marriage business meeting. I mean, I know we talked about it, but the important thing is to schedule it, put it in the calendar because you don't want to wing it.    And that way it's showing, oh, you're prioritizing us. Taking walks has been a big one for us. Playing games is a big one.   Casey Caston: (44:09 - 45:18)  The 60 second blessing is where we intentionally spend time. 60 seconds reminding our partner of how much we love them, using our words to say, like, I saw how hard you work for the family. I love how you take care of the kids and kind of reminding your partner, like I see the goodness in each other.    I think it's really important because. Day to day life, we can just be very transactional, and if we again, we have any sort of criticism or, you know, our words just are not flavored with life, well, proverb says, you know, our words have the power to give life or to give death. Right.    So, the words that we speak, if we evaluate. Are we producing what I call weed seeds? Or are we planting fruit trees?    Because weed seeds choke out the garden. Those sharp, critical words can leave your garden looking pretty shabby, whereas being intentional by speaking positive over each other. It's like planting fruit trees.    And who doesn't like a good, juicy orange? Right.   Meygan Caston: (45:18 - 47:15)  Well, and the 60 second blessing, you know, you start off by writing five to seven positive things you love about your spouse. And so, one spouse shares their list for 60 seconds and then the second spouse shares their list. And it's this habit that we actually started doing after our marriage intensive that we did as we were repairing our marriage because we had yeah, we had we had spoken such mean and harsh words or just a lot of roommate stuff.    And we needed that positivity. And it's a great foreplay tip, by the way, just to sit, sometimes sit down and go, I just need to tell you how wonderful you are. Like, who doesn't want to hear that about themselves?    I think another thing that Casey and I have recognized it is the only thing, by the way, Laura, in our marriage, the only thing that has ever stayed consistent. That's we have fun together. We laugh a lot, even in hard times.    Yeah, it wasn't as enjoyable, but we still had fun. And, you know, again, fun is different for everybody. We don't ever want to judge someone else's fun.    But we are constantly like we we are sarcastic. But that's for us because we have high trust levels. I usually tell couples if you're, you know, in a fair recovery or you have low trust levels, sarcasm is probably not great.    But we're very playful. We have again, we play a lot of fun games and we play ping pong and cornhole and we take our dogs on our dog on a walk. And we, you know, we're going to try to go ax throwing in April.    We've never done that before. Like there are fun that we've taken dance lessons. So, we like to think out of the box and do new things or things that we know that like how many games of Yahtzee have we played?    I don't even know. I mean, we've lost count. Or gin rummy, you know, I mean, we just play Sequence or Rummikub like we play them all.    And for that for us, that's really fun. We dance a lot. We love the 90's music.    Like get out your favorite playlist and just dance and sing and be goofy. Like I think if couples were to laugh and enjoy each other more and be able to laugh with themselves, I think that there would be more marriages that would stay together. Laura Dugger: (47:16 - 47:39)  That is something that I've even experienced in this time together. You guys are so fun to be around. And that's very life giving to others.    But I can see where it starts in that secret place between just the two of you, your best friend. And you share a lot of this goodness with Marriage 365. So, can you let us know all the different things that you have to offer?   Casey Caston: (47:40 - 48:48)  Yeah, I would probably say the number one way that people experience all of the resources that we've created over the years is through our mobile app. So, we have an app that has over a thousand pieces of videos, workshop, worksheet, excuse me, courses, challenges. We even have a checkup so you can actually rate kind of your marriage.    And that is a great way for people to be able to have access, you know, on the spot if they're dealing with an issue, they don't know how to get through and they're looking for a tool or a conversation to help them work through that. That our app provides such a valuable resource. I mean, beyond that, you know, some couples need a little bit more hands on approach.    So, we do coaching. We have a coaching staff actually to handle all the incoming couples that are saying, hey, can you can you help us out? And again, I just want to say coaching is really, really focused on giving action plans and homework and accountability to our clients.    And coaching is really, really helpful if you're like, I just need to know what to do next.   Meygan Caston: (48:48 - 49:17)  Yeah. We do intensives for couples that are in crisis, you know, there that are seriously considering separation or divorce or an affair recovery and that we have an over 90 percent success rate because we went through an intensive when we were struggling and it was something we knew we wanted to get trained on and do. And it's a full two days with Casey and I.    I mean, two days back-to-back. We know you. We get Christmas cards from all of our couples, you know, every year.    We love it. And it's they become almost I mean, yes, they're our clients, but they almost become like our friends.   Casey Caston: (49:17 - 49:45)  Yeah. And then probably personally, one of my favorite things that we do is we host our own couple's getaway. And this is a four-day experience.    It's not your it's not like a typical retreat where you're sitting in a conference room, you're just getting lectured all day. We're actually facilitating tools and then giving couples opportunities to work on them. Then some free time to really spend some time making great memories.    We have a dance party. It is a ton of fun.   Meygan Caston: (49:45 - 49:55)  We make sure. Yeah, we make sure it's fun. It's more it's definitely more for couples who are doing OK or want to do better, not they're not ideal for couples in crisis because it's going to be very uncomfortable.   Casey Caston: (49:55 - 49:56)  I love our retreats.   Meygan Caston: (49:56 - 49:57)  I know.   Casey Caston: (49:57 - 49:58)  I love interacting with her.   Meygan Caston: (49:58 - 50:05)  And of course, we have our social media. You can just search Marriage 365 and then we have our website, too. And we have our books, of course.   Casey Caston: (50:05 - 50:09)  Oh, and I have a men's group. I know I launched a five-week men's reset. . Meygan Caston: (50:09 - 50:34)  Needless to say, Laura, we're really busy. I do a lot. I think that's what's funny, right?    I think that people see us online and they think that we just have an Instagram, or we just have Facebook. And I'm like, we've been doing this for 12 years and we have a staff of 12 people. So, we reach a lot of people.    And we because marriage is never a one stop, you know, one size fits all. It's it's true. There are so many different dynamics, and we want to be able to help as many people as we can.   Laura Dugger: (50:35 - 50:59)  Wow. Thank you for sharing that. We will add all of those links.    I love all these different offerings that you have and that will meet people in whatever phase they're in. But you two already know we are called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for both of you, what is your Savvy Sauce?   Meygan Caston: (51:00 - 51:47)  Mine would be I would want every single person to think about becoming more confident. And that starts with becoming more self-aware. I think that that is completely changed who I am.   And I'm we're raising two kids, and I see the confidence that they have. And we're modeling that but also walking them through how to be self-aware. And really, that starts with having to be one with your thoughts, turning off the phone, sorry, turning off the podcast, sometimes turning off the music and just actually sitting and really going.    Do I really know my thoughts, my feelings, my values, my personality, my good, my bad, my ugly? And we don't do this enough. We are busy ourselves.    We're distracted constantly. And I think that it's really harming our mental health. And so, that would be my savvy sauce.   Casey Caston: (51:47 - 52:30)  Hmm. I love that, babe. It's kind of hard because we find so much alignment.    I mean, I would that's exactly what I would say, too. Um, I, you know, my focus in twenty, twenty-five has really been turned towards helping husbands. And there's a quote that Henry David Thoreau says that many men live lives of quiet desperation and they die with their songs still inside them.    And most guys are terrified of stopping and evaluating. And so, for me, creating space too. Listen, I do a 10, 10, 10 practice in the morning.   Meygan Caston: (52:30 - 52:32)  That's what I thought you were going to say.   Casey Caston: (52:32 - 52:32)  Yeah, yeah.   Meygan Caston: (52:32 - 52:36)  Well, I was like, I bet you he's going to talk about it because it's been life changing for you.   Casey Caston: (52:36 - 53:01)  Yeah. So, I spend 10 minutes of scripture reading. So, that's input.    Then I spend 10 minutes of quiet meditation where I'm sitting and I'm in a listening posture. And I mean, I think about everything from lasagna to the last wave I serve to. But there's intentionality about just opening myself like here I am.    I'm ready to be downloaded on like what you have for me today.   Meygan Caston: (53:01 - 53:02)  God be one with your thoughts.   Casey Caston: (53:03 - 53:18)  Yeah. And all sorts of things come up. And then I spent 10 minutes journaling.    And that process is just and that's like the output. Right. So, now I've got input.    I've been listening and now I get to write stuff out. And that's been a huge game changer for me.   Laura Dugger: (53:19 - 53:43)  Wow, I love both of those. You two are just refreshingly vulnerable and such an incredible mixture of intentional and lighthearted. And it has been so great just to sit under your teaching today.    So, thank you for sharing your story and for helping all of us. And thank you just for being my guests.   Meygan Caston: (53:43 - 53:45)  Oh, you're welcome. It was a pleasure to be here.   Casey Caston: (53:45 - 53:49)  Yes, you asked great questions that plumb the deep wells of Casey Meygan.   Laura Dugger: (53:52 - 57:35)  One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.

“You must not murder.” (Exodus 20:13 NLT) In some translations of the Bible, this verse reads, “Thou shalt not kill.” And that leaves it open to a wide range of interpretations. The commandment obviously forbids the taking of another human life for no justifiable reason. Some people try to stretch that to include any kind of killing. They say all war is wrong. All use of force is wrong. Even the killing of an animal is wrong. But that’s not what this verse is saying. The best translation is, “Thou shall not murder.” Numbers 35 plainly states the difference that God establishes between killing and murder. All murder, of course, is killing, but all killing is not necessarily murder. There are times when death is permissible, though not desirable. We can debate the nuances of the commandment all we like. But the words of Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount bring it home to us in a very real way. Look at what He said in Matthew 5:21–22: “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell” (NLT). “If you are even angry with someone”? That’s a pretty wide net. Many people, in the depths of their hearts, have anger and hatred to such a degree that their true desire is for someone to be dead. And that brings me to this question: Do you feel that way about anyone right now? You might say, “Well, actually, I do. But, Greg, you don’t know what this person did to me. You don’t know. It’s unforgivable.” The problem with that justification is that if you say anything is unforgivable, then we are all in deep trouble. As believers, we put a lot of hope in the fact that every sin is forgivable. And we do so justly. God poured His wrath on Jesus as punishment for every sin that has ever been committed so that we can be forgiven of every wrong that we have ever done. You may be unmoved by that argument. You may say, “No, my hatred is justified. The person deserves to die.” And that may be true in your estimation. But let me add this. In Deuteronomy 32:35, God says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (NIV). It is not for us to hate. Our vengeance is flawed; it brings no lasting satisfaction or closure. God’s judgment is perfect. He offers a better alternative to holding on to our hate. In Ephesians 4:31–32, the apostle Paul wrote, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (NLT). Reflection question: Who do you need to forgive instead of hating any longer? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feel like you're just co-managing calendars and carpool schedules? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into what it means to live “on mission” as a married couple. We'll chat about how cultural norms can distract us from God's design for marriage.  We chat: Why a shared mission statement matters How praying together shifts your heart Why weekly marriage meetings are so transformative Looking at examples like Priscilla and Aquila and passages from Genesis and Ephesians, we're reminded that marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church... so why not aim for deeper purpose and eternal impact? If you're ready to move from cohabiting roommates to mission-minded partners, this episode is for you. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Many Christians assume the third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain," is primarily about using bad language. But Pastor Heath Lambert reveals the deeper biblical meaning behind this sacred command and explains why it's about much more than cursing.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and new book announcement1:55 - The question: Is the third commandment about cursing?2:09 - What the third commandment actually says (Exodus 20:7)2:40 - Common misconceptions about breaking this commandment3:07 - The real meaning: misusing God's name vs cursing3:39 - Why the third commandment is primarily about something deeper4:13 - Biblical view on cursing and foul language (Ephesians 5:4)4:54 - Multiple ways to violate the third commandmentKey Topics Covered- The Text of the Third Commandment - Understanding what Exodus 20:7 actually teaches about God's name- Common Misunderstanding - Why many people think this commandment is only about profanity- The Real Issue: Vain Use of God's Name - How we empty God's name of its intrinsic weight and importance- Cursing and the Bible - What Scripture teaches about foul language and crude talk- Multiple Violations - The many ways people can misuse God's sacred name beyond profanity- Proper Reverence - How to honor God's name in our daily speech and worshipScripture ReferencesExodus 20:7 - The Third CommandmentEphesians 5:4 - Instructions about speech and crude talkAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" releases September 30th. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.Pre-order the book or get your free download of the first chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

For the first time ever, we recorded with the team in person—from our Leadership Retreat in Colorado Springs! Join us (plus Sam, Amber, Jill, Tracy, Kelsey, and Lauren) for a cozy, honest roundtable. We talk about the moment each of us got brave, how community breaks shame, and the surprising ways love, joy, and peace grow when alcohol isn’t running the show. Whether you’re just getting curious or already walking your own alcohol exodus, this one’s rich with real-life stories, practical shifts, and Scripture-rooted encouragement.

God created humans with a spirit, soul, and body. And in order for each aspect of our being to function in harmony, our relationships should also be in harmony.From the beginning, God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden, talking with them and nurturing a personal relationship with them. In fact, throughout the scriptures, God built foundational relationships, whether it was with the reluctant leader Moses or Hannah, the woman who wanted to be a mother more than anything. Ephesians 4:2–3 says, “Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the spirit of unity through the bond of peace.” Right relationships are foundational to life. The Bible is clear that if one of ours is suffering, letting it drift is not an option. Make living in harmony with other people a top priority every day.Let's pray. Lord, you gave everything for us, created us to have fellowship, to experience your love, and to love you in return. Help us to always be mindful that life is short, but relationships can last for eternity. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Human methods for personal change work from the outside in. God changes us from the inside out. In this message from Ephesians 4, Pastor Lutzer shows five habits of how God changes a person to become more like Christ. What if we experienced the difference the gospel makes? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.  Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.    SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    SUBSCRIBE:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia  Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/ 

Detoxing My Thinking Part #2 of Series: Detoxing Your Life – Healing Habits For Healthy Relationships September 13 - 14, 2025 - Pastor Kerry Shook Who God Says I Am I am His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10 NLT) I am His chosen (Ephesians 1:3-4 NIV) I am righteous and forgiven (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV) I am completely loved (1 John 3:1 NIV) I am strong and courageous (Philippians 4:13 NIV) I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37 NIV) Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 2 Corinthians 10:5b, John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 2 Corinthians 10:5a, John 8:32 Topics: Life, Detox, Faith

#Redemption #freedom Saul's redemption at the road to Damascus is a reminder that Jesus can take the hardest heart and make it new. In this message by Pastor Alex Klimchuk, he encourages us to live boldly and fully alive in Christ. 1 Ephesians 1:1-3, Acts 7:58, John 12:24, John 10:10 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, & SUBSCRIBE for more biblical teachings!   Please follow our websites for more! Website: http://www.newlifechurchsf.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewLifeSF/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/7Ig-qXgVAmE/ Pastor Alex Klimchuk New Life Church 500 S 1st Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Mama, Do you want a different life for your kids than the one you had? Jesus will help you to create a beautiful home life for your children as you lean into His amazing love for you! Join Deb for today's encouraging devotional all about the incredible love of Jesus!"...And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3: 17b-19

Do life's distractions keep you from fully living in the hope God has promised? In week two of One Hope: The Gospel Changes Everything, Stu Quackenbush digs deeper into Ephesians 1 and reminds us that in Christ, we've been given an eternal inheritance. Our hope is secure, our future is certain, and our lives are meant to reflect and praise His glory.

In this Walk and Talk episode, I address a concerning trend I'm observing among young Christians with prophetic gifts—they're attempting to emulate modern-day Elijahs and Isaiahs, operating as lone-wolf prophets with absolute authority. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11 and Deuteronomy 18:22, I expose why this Old Testament model creates spiritual bullying, crushing isolation, and impossible expectations in New Testament believers.I unpack the revolutionary shift Jesus brought to prophetic ministry, moving from solitary divine messengers who demanded absolute obedience to collaborative body gifts that invite discernment. You'll discover why the brutal 100% accuracy standard of Old Testament prophecy no longer applies, how prophetic gifts were designed to function within community accountability, and the transformational difference between wielding authority and serving the body.This isn't about diminishing prophetic gifts or lowering spiritual standards—it's about understanding how Jesus fundamentally changed the prophetic landscape. I challenge listeners to reject the Lone Ranger mentality that breeds spiritual pride and isolation, and instead embrace the beautiful reality of being one voice among many in Christ's body.Whether you're a young believer struggling with prophetic calling and feeling the weight of impossible expectations, or you're dealing with accountability issues around prophetic ministry in your community, this episode will revolutionise your understanding. Stop trying to become the next Isaiah and start learning to be a collaborative voice in God's diverse, unified body.The goal isn't to be the voice—it's to be one voice among many who collectively hear from God.Thanks for listening to The School of Safe and Humble Prophets! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.Thanks for listening to The School of Safe and Humble Prophets! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.safeprophets.com

Friends, The impact that Charlie Kirk has had on many lives in his short 31 is years is nothing short of astonishing. He lived boldly for Jesus, walked in his calling, and stayed the course.  Let his death not be in vain, but may we all be inspired and step into our God given calling, living Boldy for Jesus.  We are not promised tomorrow, let's not put off for tomorrow what we can do today. We don't know the number of our days, Let's make them count.  What is God calling you to do? Each of our paths will look different but it's for certain that God has a specific purpose for our life. Whatever God has put on your heart, don't delay any longer. The world needs you. Don't let fear of man, fear of the unknow or perfectionism stop or delay you any longer. God equips the called, He will give you everything you need.  If you need prayer, send me a message or email. I would be honored to pray with you.    Ephesians 4:11-16 ✝️   New International Version 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Connect With ME:

September 14th, 2025 David Comstock & Freddy Williams What if mission isn't something you do—but who you are?As part of our Good News series, Pastor David unpacks how Jesus calls us “the light of the world” and sends us into everyday spaces to bring the goodness of heaven to earth. Mission isn't reserved for a select few—it's the identity of every follower of Jesus.Discover what it means to live as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, sent to embody the love of Christ in a world desperate for hope.

Guiding Question: What is a husband really called to be—and how does a man step into that role with confidence and clarity? Summary Description: Robert Lewis delivers a deeply practical and inspiring message on biblical manhood and marriage, focusing on Ephesians 5:22–33. Speaking directly to married men—but also with applications for single men and parents—Lewis explains what it means to be the “head” in a marriage. Far from a model of dominance or superiority, biblical headship is a call to Christ-like leadership through love, guidance, and provision. He highlights three essential roles every husband must embrace: being a lover, a standard bearer, and a provider. Each role is unpacked with vivid illustrations, cultural observations, and personal reflections. Lewis also explains the modern confusion around headship and submission and offers a redemptive vision for how those principles create health and strength in marriage. Lewis appeals especially to men to gain direction—not domination—and calls fathers to pass this vision on to their sons. He ends with practical steps for husbands to engage their wives more deeply, starting with discovering their love language. Outline: The Challenge of Modern Headship – Cultural confusion, resistance to submission, and the loss of clear direction. Setting the Context – Marriage as a sacred calling for men; not superiority, but responsibility. Perspective Check: Men need clear direction to thrive. Headship in Scripture is modeled after Christ, not power. Submission is space for responsibility, not oppression. Neglectful husbands push wives into damaging fallback roles. Three Best Practices for Husbands: Lover – Show your heart, connect emotionally, learn your wife's love language. Standard Bearer – Hold up God's Word, protect the home morally and spiritually. Provider – Enable your wife to become all God intended, including financial provision where possible. Why Respect Comes Last – True respect from a wife is earned through a husband's consistent, sacrificial love. Sociological Backing – Contemporary studies support biblical principles for husband roles in happiness and stability. Applications: Fathers teaching sons. Single men embracing these roles as preparation. Married men identifying their weakest area and taking steps to grow. Key Takeaways Biblical headship is about responsibility, not rights—modeled after Christ, not culture. A husband must actively love, lead, and provide for his wife to foster a healthy and joyful marriage. Emotional connection is vital; husbands must learn and act on their wife's love language. Leading spiritually means holding up the Word as a guide and guard for the home. Providing includes enabling a wife's calling—financially and otherwise. Respect from a wife is the fruit of a man's sacrificial, consistent love. These roles must be taught to young men early; most flounder without vision. Scriptural References Ephesians 5:22–33 – Roles of husbands and wives in marriage. Genesis 2:24 – “Leave and cleave” foundation for marriage. Genesis 3:1–6 – Adam's failure to lead as standard bearer. Proverbs 29:18 – “Without vision, the people perish.” 1 Peter 3:7 – Husbands live with their wives in an understanding way. Recorded 3/4/07

Join us as Pastor Mike Badolato continues the series Ephesians The New Life. Go check it out and let us know how it impacted you in the comments.

Status, Power, Influence, Like Refuse Paul Threw It All Out MESSAGE SUMMARY: What are we truly aiming for in life? This powerful message challenges us to examine our ultimate goals and purpose. Drawing from Philippians 3:7-15, we're invited to reflect on the Apostle Paul's radical transformation - from chasing earthly accolades to pursuing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul's journey reminds us that success without Christ isn't true success at all. The message encourages us to shift our focus from temporary achievements to lasting transformation, emphasizing that our identity should be rooted in our relationship with Jesus, not in our accomplishments or status. As we contemplate our own lives, we're urged to consider: are we striving for Christ-centered righteousness or merely following religious rules? This introspection can lead us to a deeper, more purposeful faith journey.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Loneliness. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Presence. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Philippians 3:7-15 (main passage); Philippians 3:4-6; Acts 9 (Paul's conversion); Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8-9 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Word from the Cross”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Send us a textJoin Fr. Aaron & Marissa Burt for this week's episode, in which they consider the readings for Proper 20, the Sunday between 9/11-9/17: Amos 8:4-12; Psalm 138; 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (8-15); Luke 16:1-13.They discuss Amos' prophetic warning against greed & exploitation, Paul's exhortation to prayer, and Jesus' parable of the shrewd manager.Mentioned in the episode:--International Justice Mission--The Justice of Jesus: Reimagining Your Church's Life Together to Pursue Liberation and Wholeness, by: Joash Thomas--The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money is the Root of Racism and How the Church can Create a New Way Forward, by: Malcolm Foley--The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural World of the Bible, by: Michael S. Heiser--Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament, by: Sandra L. Glahn--The Eden Podcast with Bruce FlemingNotes:--Dwell App--Prayers of the People for Pentecost--2019 Book of Common PrayerPentecost: A Day of Power for All People, by: Emilio AlvarezAudio Sermons for Advent AnglicanThe Bible ProjectThe Bible Project video on 1 TimothyThe Bible Project video on Amos1:02 Collect1:44 Amos 8:4-1229:02 Psalm 13838:44 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (8-15)59:58 Luke 16:1-13 Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

Colossians 3:20-21, Ephesians 6:1-4, Deuteronomy 6:6-7

"Let not your heart be troubled." - Jesus In the face of tragedy, we have a choice: let fear win or let faith rise. Today's message reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God's peace can guard our hearts. The enemy may scheme, but he just woke a giant - the Church. We're called to be bold in our faith, to cast our cares on Him, and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember: You are built to live by faith. Don't let your heart be troubled. Replace worry with worship. Your strength comes from the joy of the Lord.

Ep 90➤Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1tq6QGWTkCFe2skOb7x2Yb?si=66c65281dd644537 In this episode of the No Pills Podcast, host Gordon McGee shares 12 powerful, Bible-based principles for building, maintaining, and restoring trust in any relationship. Drawing from passages like 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 4, this episode provides actionable advice to help you cultivate true love and a lasting bond. **In this episode, you'll learn:**The Foundation of Trust:** Why putting God first is the central principle from which all other principles flow, as God is loveThe Power of Communication:** Learn to speak the truth with kindness , communicate openly, and take accountability for your actions, especially regarding finances.**The Importance of Character:** Discover why trust is rooted in the character of each individual and how to overcome unfavorable traits.**Forgiveness and Humility:** Understand the divine nature of forgiveness and why practicing it daily, along with humility, is crucial for rebuilding trust.***Actionable Steps:** Learn to be a person of your word by letting your "yays be yays" and "nos be nos" , avoid deceitful talk , and lay down selfishness for the good of your partner[.This is a continuous process that requires consistent effort from both partners, and these tips are designed to help you achieve a stronger, more trusting relationship. ➤ Support Go Stand and Preach https://www.gostandandpreach.org/donateYou Can Also Follow Me on: ➤TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gostandandpreach ➤Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gostandandpreach ➤Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gostandandpreach/ ➤Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-pillz-with-gordon-mcghee/id1707970107?i=1000662278399Contact No Pillz: Tweet us @nopillzpodcast Email: nopillzpodcast@gmail.com YouTube: @nopillzpodcast Insta: @nopillzpodcast Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

This week we continue our series on Ephesians: The Riches of Grace, with Pastor Paul teaching from Ephesians 1:15–23. The Apostle Paul's prayer for the church reminds us that gospel praise lifts us up in encouragement, gospel knowledge enlightens us with hope and inheritance, and gospel power connects us to the risen Christ who reigns over all things. As we start this journey through Ephesians, we're invited to live in the fullness of Christ's blessings—praise, wisdom, and resurrection power—right here and now. We'd love for you to join us in worship and walk this journey of grace together. For more information, visit www.ONEFellowship.church For Charleston and beyond!

Invited and Wanted - "Grow" - Ephesians 3:14-19 In this second message of our series around our mission statement—We exist so every man, woman and child can KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and GO as the body of Christ—we look at Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14–19. Spiritual growth is more than outward effort; it begins with God's power at work in us. As Christ makes His home in our hearts, we are rooted in love, strengthened in community, and led toward the fullness of God. This passage shows us what it truly means to grow in Christ.

Ephesians 4:15 NIVInstead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Apocalypse Now: An Eye-Opening Study of the Book of EphesiansWhat if the greatest revelation wasn't about the end of the world, but the unveiling of a new one? Apocalypse Now is a deep and eye-opening journey through the book of Ephesians, where the Apostle Paul—writing from prison—pulls back the curtain on God's grand design for His people.Set against the backdrop of ancient Ephesus, a city of power, culture, and spiritual darkness, this series explores how Paul's letter reveals Jesus as Lord over every empire, idol, and authority. Known as the “Queen of the Epistles,” Ephesians lifts our eyes to the breathtaking view of Christ and His Church—our identity, our unity, our calling, and our hope.Each episode uncovers the “apocalypse”—the great unveiling of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and the Spirit's gifts—and asks how this revelation reshapes the way we live right now. From household relationships to spiritual warfare, from ancient temples to modern challenges, Apocalypse Now helps us see with fresh eyes what it means to belong to God's family and live as people of another Kingdom.If you're ready for a faith that feels alive, courageous, and countercultural—this is your invitation. We don't just need an apocalypse someday. We need one now.For more information or to get connected, visit us at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rcnb.org

Recorded on Sunday, September 14. Other scripture cited: John 14:15-21; Ephesians 3:14-21.Support the show

Ephesians 2:11-22Senior Pastor Nick Sandefur

Series: Ephesians: In Christ, Walk Worthy One Family: Riches of Grace to UniteEphesians 2:11-22Pastor Matt Sfura

The verses in this chapter talkabout living Jesus Christ. Remember we said in chapter one we talk about knowingJesus Christ. Before we can live for Christ, we need to have our eyes of ourunderstanding open to the knowledge of God. After we begin to know and understand our position in Christ then we can beginto live Jesus Christ. Inchapter one, Paul has described our spiritual possessions in Christ. Now hespeaks in chapter two about our spiritual position in Christ. First, heexplains what God has done for all sinners in general; then he explains whatGod did for the Gentiles in particular. The sinner who trusts Christ has beenraised and seated on the throne (Ephesian 2:1-10), and believing Jews andGentiles have been reconciled and set into the temple (Ephesians 2:11-22). Whata miracle of God's grace! We are taken out of the great graveyard of sin andplaced into the throne room of glory. Todaywe will begin to look at these first three verse of Ephesians 2: “And you Hemade alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walkedaccording to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power ofthe air, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom alsowe all once conducted ourselves in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling thedesires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath justas the others.” Here Paul gives us a full-length picture of the terriblespiritual condition of the unsaved person. Note his characteristics: Firstthing Paul wants us to understand is sin's work against us! Paul gives thespiritual condition of the unsaved person. First, he notes that we are dead intrespasses and sin. Of course this means we're spiritually dead. We're unableto understand and appreciate spiritual things. We have no spiritual lifewhatsoever. We can talk about God. We can talk about the Bible. We can evenhave it memorized. But the truth is there is no spiritual life in us aside fromthe fact that when we get saved the Holy Spirit, the life of God Himself comesto live within us. But before then, we are dead in trespasses and sins. We cando nothing to please God. We'relike a dead man. Just as a person physically dead does not respond to physicalstimuli, so a person spiritually dead is unable to respond to spiritual things.A corpse does not hear the conversation going on in the funeral parlor. He hasno appetite for food or drink; he feels no pain; he is dead. Just so with theinner man of the unsaved person. His spiritual faculties are not functioning,and they cannot function until God gives him life. The cause of this spiritualdeath is "trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). "Thewages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). In the Bible, death basicallymeans "separation," not only physically, as the spirit separated fromthe body (James 2:26), but also spiritually, as the spirit separated from God(Isaiah 59:2). Myfriend, the unbeliever is not sick. He is dead. He doesn't need resuscitation.He needs a resurrection. All lost sinners are dead, and the only differencebetween one sinner and another is the state of decay. The lost derelict on skidrow may be more decayed outwardly than the unsaved society leader, but both aredead in sin—and one corpse cannot be more dead than another! This means thatour world is one vast graveyard, filled with people who are dead while theylive (1 Tim. 5:6). We need to understand that's our position before oursalvation. And sin works against us and we're dead in these trespasses andsins.  Oh,how we ought to rejoice in the fact that one day we met Jesus Christ if you'rea believer. And if you do not understand spiritual things, there's a reason forit. We never really appreciate our health until we have experienced a terriblesickness. And we will never appreciate and be grateful for our life in Jesus Christuntil we realize how dead we were in our trespasses and sins! 

Found out how to become strong in Jesus and we'll give you a hint. The secret is NOT in more intellectual information. The keys are in two prayers in the book of Ephesians.

Psalm 122 Psalm 127 Ephesians 1:3-10 2 Timothy 2:10-12a Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com