Podcasts about keep growing

SummaryMs. G shares practical advice on how to deepen your relationship with God through Bible reading, emphasizing that it's about relationship, not rules. She discusses how to start, what to focus on, and how to incorporate scripture into daily life.KeywordsBible reading, spiritual growth, faith, relationship with God, scripture, prayer, Christian life, Bible study tips Key topicsThe importance of relationship over rules in Bible readingHow to start and maintain a Bible reading habitUsing scripture to address personal struggles like worry and angerDifferent Bible translations and how to choose oneThe role of prayer and reflection in understanding God's word TakeawaysBible reading is about relationship, not earning God's love.Start small and find a translation that is easy to understand.Use scripture to address specific struggles like worry, anger, or grief.Ask God questions while reading to deepen understanding.Consistent, even brief, time in the Bible can transform your view of God and yourself.Sound bites"Our relationship with God grows in a similar way.""Bring your struggles to God in prayer.""Knowing God is a journey, and every moment matters."Chapters00:00 Introduction: Growing Closer to God Through His Word02:20 Understanding God's Heart Through Scripture04:17 Finding Relevant Bible Sections for Personal Struggles06:15 Starting Simple and Choosing Understandable Translations08:11 The Journey of Knowing God and Its Impact09:09 Encouragement to Begin Today and Keep Growing

In today's episode, I sit down with Darren Prince, founder and CEO of Prince Marketing Group, to talk about recovery, discipline, relationships, and building a life around service. Darren shares why sobriety remains his top priority, the daily practices that keep him grounded, and how difficult moments create opportunities for growth. We discuss protecting your energy, taking inventory of the people around you, and staying connected to relationships that support your direction. Darren also shares how his work with David Goggins has influenced his mindset, why giving back through the Aiming High Foundation has become his greatest priority, and the importance of living with purpose.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's encouraging message from Willy Van Rooyen where he asks us to not stand still but keep growing!

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Send us Fan MailShelly Miscavige is more than a celebrity headline or a rumor that won't die. She's a real person who worked at the highest levels of Scientology leadership, and she hasn't been seen publicly for years. That single fact raises a simple, human question that never stops mattering: where is Shelly, and is she safe?I'm joined by Ann Gollert Hill to trace what we personally knew of Shelly Miscavige at Scientology's international headquarters in Gilman Hot Springs, California, often called Gold Base. We talk about what her job actually meant as Chairman of the Board Assistant at the Religious Technology Center, how it put her beside David Miscavige for decades, and why someone with that much access could be treated as a threat. We also dig into the culture that keeps people quiet: handlers, security, “ethics” interrogations, humiliation as management, and the ever-present fear of being labeled suppressive.From there, we connect the dots listeners keep asking about: reports that Shelly returned early from a major event, decisions that allegedly enraged David Miscavige, and her reported objections to his intense relationship with Tom Cruise. We also discuss the heartbreaking details people forget, like Shelly's five beagles and what it means to isolate someone from the few sources of comfort they had. Finally, we zoom out to the historical pattern inside Scientology, including the parallels to Mary Sue Hubbard, and why “disappearing” inconvenient insiders is not as unthinkable as it should be.If you care about missing persons, coercive control, cult recovery, and accountability in Scientology, listen through and share this with someone who still thinks the Shelly Miscavige question is “old news.” Subscribe for more, and if this conversation hits you, please leave a review and tell us: what detail changed how you see the story?Support the showBFG Store - http://blownforgood-shop.fourthwall.com/Blown For Good on Audible - https://www.amazon.com/Blown-for-Good-Marc-Headley-audiobook/dp/B07GC6ZKGQ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Blown For Good Website: http://blownforgood.com/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2131160Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blown-for-good-behind-the-iron-curtain-of-scientology/id1671284503RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2131160.rssYOUTUBE PLAYLISTS:Spy Files Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtJfniWLwq4cA-eBNXD...

When you get saved you are a new born baby in your faith. You need mature believers to help you grow. They will help you and invest in you and pick you up when you fall. They will teach you to pray and learn to study the Bible. They will help you identify bad habits and change. All of us need help when we get saved and start a life of faith.

Taught by RJ Umandap on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Your calling can be clear while your development is still incomplete.
This week, I'm sharing a message from last week's staff meeting about growing with what God is doing around you. A growing church needs growing people, and a growing staff needs growing leaders.
Growth requires humility. Stay curious. Keep asking questions. No matter how experienced you become, remain teachable.
Don't rush God's timing or defend your gaps. Let Him develop the character and capacity you need to carry what He has called you to carry.
If you're called to lead, you're still called to grow.Tune in tonight at 7:30 PM on the Rich Wilkerson Jr. YouTube Channel.

This podcast is supported by Azure Health. Visit ⁠⁠azurehealth.com.au/giveandtoke⁠⁠ to learn more.Brent Bryksa has spent more than 25 years finding another way.After a car accident at 17 left him with a T4 spinal cord injury, cannabis became part of rebuilding his life. What began as medicine soon became a passion for cultivation, with Brent adapting his grows around life in a wheelchair and eventually turning that experience into Wheelchair Weed Craft Cannabis.Today, he grows around 700 plants across 12 grow rooms in Powell River, British Columbia.Brent joins Give & Toke to talk about growing, independence, accessibility, purpose, and the countless things able-bodied people never have to think about.Plus, we play Helping or Hurting?, putting some well-intentioned wheelchair etiquette to the test.Visit www.wheelchairweed.comVisit www.giveandtoke.com.auFollow @giveandtoke on InstagramEmail giveandtoke@gmail.com

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Check back here for both, or explore the message below. Download the Message Handout If you want to grow spiritually, stay connected to Jesus—and do not try to figure out every next step alone. Real spiritual growth is not just about learning more. It is about receiving life from Jesus, letting Him change you, and becoming someone who helps other people grow too. Your growth is Godward and outward. That means a good next question is not only, “What do I need from God?” It is also, “Who can help me grow—and who might God want me to help?” Why Do I Still Feel Stuck Spiritually? We have more information than ever: Google, YouTube, podcasts, books, AI. But information is not the same as direction. You can listen to a hundred people talk about faith, marriage, parenting, money, or purpose—and still feel unsure about what to do next. Most of us do not only need better information. We need real people: someone to encourage us, challenge us, pray for us, and help us take the next step. We have closed much of the information gap, but we have widened the relationship gap. Spiritual Growth Moves Godward and Outward “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV Godward: stay connected to Jesus You do not have to manufacture a better life by yourself. Stay connected to Jesus. Learn from Him. Trust Him. Talk honestly with Him. Let His words reshape your thinking. Let His grace meet you where you are. He is not just part of your growth plan. He is the source of life. Outward: let your growth bless someone else A healthy branch does not exist just to become a stronger branch. It bears fruit. What Jesus is producing in you should eventually bless somebody else. Your growth should not stop with you. You May Be Somebody Else's Fruit Think about the people who helped you. Somebody prayed for you. Somebody encouraged you. Somebody taught you. Somebody gave you an opportunity. Somebody believed you could become more. Somebody refused to give up on you. You may be somebody else's fruit. Their faithfulness to Jesus eventually touched your life. Now the question becomes: Who is growing because God has worked in me? Barnabas Became a Bridge Barnabas is one of the most powerful examples of this in Scripture. His real name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Encouragement became so consistent in his life that it became part of his reputation. Then Saul came to Jerusalem. Before Saul became the Apostle Paul, people knew him as the man who had persecuted Christians. Even after Saul encountered Jesus, the believers were afraid to trust him. “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.” Acts 9:27 NIV Barnabas did not change Saul. Jesus changed Saul. Barnabas did not call Saul. Jesus called Saul. Barnabas did not give Saul his gifts. God did. But Barnabas became a bridge. Other people backed away. Barnabas stepped closer. He used his relationship, credibility, encouragement, and opportunity to help Saul move forward. He saw what Jesus was doing in Saul when others could only see Saul's past. Sometimes people can become an obstacle to someone else's next level. Barnabas chose to become a bridge instead. Pick Your Player Two 1. Who is a few steps ahead? Where do you want to grow—marriage, parenting, money, career, faith, leadership, life? Who do you know that is living with wisdom and character in that area? Ask them: “Can I learn from you?” You do not need to make it strange or overly formal. Invite them to coffee. Ask a question. Listen. Learn. 2. Who is a few steps behind? What have you already learned? What have you survived? What has God taught you? You do not have to be an expert. You just have to be willing to help. Maybe someone needs your encouragement, your listening ear, prayer, an introduction, an opportunity, or a reminder that their past is not the end of their story. Mature people use what they have to help somebody else grow. 3. Push Start Do not leave this as a good idea. Name the area where you want to grow. Name the person who is a few steps ahead. Name the person you might be able to help. Then start the conversation. Your next level may start with a text, a coffee, a prayer, or an invitation. Get Unstuck with the Free 21-Day Game Plan The Level Up 21-Day Game Plan is a simple, Scripture-centered guide to help you get unstuck, reconnect with Jesus, make your next move, and help someone else grow. It takes just 5–10 minutes a day. Request My Free Game Plan Explore the full Level Up series Frequently Asked Questions Can I grow spiritually by myself? Your relationship with Jesus is personal, but it was never meant to be isolated. We grow as we receive from Jesus and walk with people who encourage, challenge, and help us keep going. How do I find a Christian mentor? Choose one area where you want to grow. Look for someone whose character you respect. Start simply: ask them to coffee and say, “Can I learn from you?” Do I need a formal mentor? No. A formal program can help, but many of the best mentoring relationships begin with an ordinary conversation and consistent friendship. What if I do not feel qualified to help someone else? You do not have to know everything to help somebody with something. Share what you have learned. Pray. Encourage. Listen. Help them take one next step. Keep Growing with Pastor Chris Pastor Chris Fluitt serves Redemption Church in Plano and helps people take honest next steps toward Jesus. Follow Chris on Facebook Text Chris More Messages on YouTube

Rosa Brothers Milk Company has turned a family dairy into a recognizable California brand, and in Part 2 of his AgNet News Hour interview, president Noel Rosa explained how innovation, sustainability and value-added products are helping the Tulare-based operation continue to grow. One opportunity Rosa is particularly excited about is renewed interest in whole milk in schools. He believes giving students better-tasting milk could help introduce a new generation to dairy products and potentially create lifelong consumers. Rosa Brothers has also built its identity around its distinctive glass bottles. Approximately 75 percent of the company's refillable bottles are returned, allowing them to be washed, sanitized and used again. Rosa believes glass could become increasingly valuable as California looks for ways to reduce plastic packaging. But the company isn't relying on bottled milk alone. Rosa Brothers continues experimenting with new products and flavors based on consumer demand. Rosa discussed the company's growing ice cream business, including a new Lemon Cream Pie flavor and a line of artisan ice cream sandwiches. The company also produces flavored milk, lactose-free milk, heavy cream and flavored coffee creamers. That growth is creating an unusual challenge: Rosa said the dairy has enough milk and enough customers, but processing capacity is becoming a limiting factor. "We're making some tweaks on our facility to accommodate growth," Rosa said. The future isn't without challenges. Water availability, energy prices, insurance, freight and other rising costs remain concerns for operating a dairy business in California. Still, Rosa Brothers continues expanding while maintaining its focus on producing and processing its products locally. From bringing whole milk back to younger consumers to developing new products and expanding distribution, Rosa's conversation offers an inside look at how one California dairy is finding ways to grow in a difficult agricultural environment. Listen to Part 2 of the full interview with Noel Rosa on the AgNet News Hour.

Consistency isn't a personality trait. It's the product of commitments you refuse to negotiate and environments that won't let you coast. In this AMMA episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael and Jessica Mogill dig into why most law firm owners plateau not because of talent or effort, but because they've outgrown the peers around them. From honoring the commitments you made when you were clear-headed to seeking out rooms where friction and accountability are features (not bugs), this conversation is a blueprint for the kind of consistency that compounds over years, not weeks. Here's what you'll learn: Why the commitments you make when motivated can't be renegotiated when you're not How to identify and seek out high-friction environments that attract higher-caliber peers What it takes to build systems that outlast motivation and make consistency automatic If you've been coasting on talent and wondering why results have flatlined, this episode will help you level up. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:39) The Power of Consistency (00:05:57) Systems Over Motivation (00:07:29) Nine Years of Daily Journaling (00:09:13) Q1: Outgrowing Your Peer Network (00:12:09) High-Friction Environments Win (00:14:04) Q2: What's New at the Summit (00:16:24) Q3: How to Keep Growing as a Leader (00:18:54) Curiosity as a Practiced Skill ---- Links & Resources: BoJack Horseman Conor McGregor EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) Tiger 21 ---- Learn what sustainable growth can look like for your firm at crispcoach.com. ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 488. AMMA: Controversial Leadership Opinions That Will Make Your Firm Better 468. AMMA: Why Dark Energy Becomes Dead Weight Over Time 375. AMMA: Stop Being The Bottleneck: Lead Your Firm Without Being Needed

Transforming your health is more fun with friends! Join Chef AJ's Exclusive Plant-Based Community. Become part of the inner circle and start simplifying plant-based living - with easy recipes and expert health guidance. Find out more by visiting: https://community.chefaj.com/ ORDER MY NEW BOOK SWEET INDULGENCE!!! https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet-Indulgence-Guilt-Free/dp/1570674248 or https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144514092?ean=9781570674242 GET MY FREE INSTANT POT COOKBOOK: https://www.chefaj.com/instant-pot-download MY BEST SELLING WEIGHT LOSS BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1570674086?tag=onamzchefajsh-20&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=1570674086&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1GNPDCAG4A86S Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes. In 2020 she wrote her Amazon best-seller Aging Powerfully. This book was part memoir, and compelling overview of the power of the pillars of lifestyle medicine to turn our health and life around. Nan's newly published book, Aging Powerfully: The Journey Continues—How to Keep Growing, Healing, and Thriving at Any Age, is Nan's celebration to turning 75 on January 9, 2026. The back cover explains it all: What if aging wasn't something to fear—but an opportunity to grow, deepen, and flourish? In her warm, wise, and deeply encouraging follow-up to her first book, Nan offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to age with intention. With clarity, compassion, and a touch of humor, Nan speaks directly to the questions many Baby Boomers quietly carry: How do I stay strong, vibrant, joyful—and make these years my best yet? Drawing from real-life stories, evidence-informed lifestyle tools, and decades of lived experience, Nan shows you how small daily choices can create powerful long-term change. In this book, you'll discover how to: · Feel more energetic, capable, and confident every day · Eat in a way that supports healing, hormone balance, and vitality · Strengthen your body and protect long-term mobility and independence · Navigate stress with steadiness—even joy · Deepen friendships, community, and meaningful connection · Stay curious, engaged, and excited about what's next · Create a life that feels aligned, purposeful, and deeply your own Aging Powerfully is an uplifting guide for anyone who wants to live with more clarity, courage, and vibrancy—no matter their age. If you're ready to step into your next chapter with strength and grace, this book will show you how. Nan is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach with Blue Zones Health, a national medical practice promoting lifestyle as medicine. Having earned a Plant-Based Nutrition certification from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies at Cornell University, she also offers plant-based cooking classes for Blue Zones Health as well as a local senior center. With over 550 videos on her YouTube. Book links: Aging Powerfully — https://amzn.to/4jtlH98 Aging Powerfully: The Journey continues — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G5F4N3G1/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_TDTRGZPJHVV8YWKFV6E6?linkCode=ml1&tag=agingpowerf02-20&linkId=b19890f1ef0996331293adebec5b76b7 Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/nansimonsen, Nan offers whole food plant-based cooking as well as health guidance. You can also find Nan at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agingpowerfullywithnan/?hl=en and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nan.simonsen/ her website athttps://nansimonsen.com/

Former University of Texas journalism professor Robert Jensen returns to the World XP Podcast to challenge one of modern society's deepest assumptions: that economic growth, energy use, technology, and human consumption can continue without limits. We discuss capitalism and socialism, government versus corporate power, ecological collapse, nuclear energy, technological optimism, meaningful work, and why Jensen believes humility and local community may matter more than ideological certainty.If you're enjoying the content, please like, subscribe, and comment! Robert's Links: Website: https://robertwjensen.org/X: @jensenrobertwRobert Jensen is Emeritus Professor in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Texas at Austin. His most recent book, This I Don't Believe: A Fulfilling Life without Meaning, is out now. He is also the author of It's Debatable: Talking Authentically about Tricky Topics (Olive Branch Press, 2024). Jensen is the coauthor with Wes Jackson of An Inconvenient Apocalypse: Environmental Collapse, Climate Crisis, and the Fate of Humanity (University of Notre Dame Press, 2022) and the editor of From the Ground Up: Conversations with Wes Jackson (New Perennials Publishing, 2022), based on the interviews from “Podcast from the Prairie.” Jensen's other books include The Restless and Relentless Mind of Wes Jackson: Searching for Sustainability (University Press of Kansas, 2021); The End of Patriarchy: Radical Feminism for Men (Spinifex Press, 2017); among others._______________________Follow us!@worldxppodcast Instagram - https://bit.ly/3eoBwyr@worldxppodcast Twitter - https://bit.ly/2Oa7BzmSpotify - http://spoti.fi/3sZAUTGYouTube - http://bit.ly/3rxDvUL#Sustainability #politicalphilosophy #climatechange #worldxppodcast

The usual complaint about the New Testament's use of the Old is that the apostles play fast and loose. Dr. Gary Edward Schnittjer thinks the problem runs the other direction. The Old Testament has gone missing from the research, and once you cut it off, ordinary exegetical moves start looking bizarre. Second Temple interpreters and the New Testament authors resemble each other because they were both apprenticed to the same thousand years of Old Testament authors interpreting earlier Old Testament texts. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Schnittjer work through what he calls vertical context. Scholarship attends to the paragraph and chapter around a quoted verse. What gets skipped is the depth beneath it. More than eighty times, the New Testament cites an Old Testament text that is already citing something older. Zechariah's king on a donkey reaches back to the blessing of Judah in Genesis 49, blended with Isaiah 62, and by the time the gospel writers use it, the donkey is carrying a great deal more than a rider. Hebrews turns out to be interested in Torah almost everywhere while quoting Torah almost nowhere, working instead through Psalm 8, Psalm 95, Psalm 110, and Jeremiah. They also take up fulfillment, which in English carries a prediction-and-payoff sense the Hebrew does not require. Matthew's formula comes off the same plane as 2 Chronicles 36, where fulfilling a word means enacting it into reality rather than clocking a duration. That reframes the hard cases. Hosea 11 contains no prediction at all, but Hosea himself reads Jacob's life forward typologically, so Matthew is reading Hosea the way Hosea reads Scripture. The conversation closes on why this is not a license for interpretive improvisation. Dr. Schnittjer argues for plain sense exegesis throughout, which means reading each author with the grain rather than imposing a modern logic and calling it faithfulness. Dr. Gary Edward Schnittjer is distinguished professor of Old Testament for Cairn Theological Seminary at Cairn University. He writes at Carpenter's Student. This is the final episode in our four-part conversation and the second of two on the parallel layout project. Purchase Old Testament Use of Old Testament in Parallel Layout Volume 1: Torah and Prophets at amazon.com Carpenter's Student (Substack)https://CarpentersStudent.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

The Counter Momentum of Spin, with Dr. Franco Musio – COVID-19 accounted for at least approximately 7.1 million deaths from 2020 to early 2026, as per the WHO. The Congressional hearing by Dr. Anthony Fauci resulted in 111 invocations of the Fifth Amendment (allowing for refusal to answer questions or give testimony that could self-incriminate a person)...

Send us Fan MailThe leadership pressure test reveals what a leader has already practiced. In this episode, I sit down with Jon Sheldon, founder of BelleauWood Coaching, to explore the leadership pressure test through lessons he learned as a Marine squad leader and Fortune 500 sales executive.Jon explains why clear decisions begin with knowing yourself. His professional blueprint centers on purpose, vision, the environment where you thrive, and what motivates you. Then he pressure-tests those answers against real behavior. Courage is more than a value on paper. A leader has to show where courage held and where it gave way.We also talk about radical honesty, the cost of making firm calls, and the discipline of keeping the mission in view when emotion runs high. Jon shares a simple framework for those moments: define the mission, name the obstacle, and choose the first action. If you lead a team through growth or uncertainty, this conversation offers a grounded way to respond with clarity.Chapter Breakdown00:00 Meet Jon Sheldon: Marine Leader and Executive Coach02:29 How Responsibility Forged a Leader05:12 Why Mistakes Are Inevitable Under Pressure06:40 Learning to Think 13 Moves Ahead08:54 The Mission, Obstacle, Actions Framework10:06 Build Your Professional Leadership Blueprint13:33 Pressure-Test the Leader You Claim to Be15:26 Why a Four-Hour Seminar Cannot Build a Leader17:49 Radical Honesty and the Courage to Be Unpopular20:35 The Cost and Loneliness of Leadership24:20 Protect Time to Keep Growing as a Leader29:19 Books That Make Leadership PracticalBooks MentionedThe Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan HolidayLeadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual by Jocko WillinkNever Split the Difference by Chris VossBecause I Said I Would by Alex SheenYour Desired Future by Dr. Henry CloudA Return on Failure by John C. MaxwellConnect with Jon SheldonVisit BelleauWood Coaching, connect with Jon on LinkedIn, or follow @belleauwood_coaching on Instagram.I want to invite you to check out the Committed Mastermind, a community I help lead along with world-class leaders like JC and Karen Hite, Vinnie Fisher, and Jonathan Mast, plus incredible mentors like Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, and many others.This is for entrepreneurs who want to build a thriving business without sacrificing their faith, their family, or their health.Check out the Committed Mastermind at https://committedmastermind.com/---- Check out Dr. William Attaway's new show, The Appreciation at Work Podcast!  Join Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence.Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success.Connect with Dr. William Attaway:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTube

Ezra-Nehemiah opens on a high note. Yahweh keeps the word he spoke through Jeremiah, Cyrus issues the edict, and the exiles go home. By the last chapter, Nehemiah is walking the city alone, pulling out men's hair and cursing them, and the collective repentances that filled the middle of the book have evaporated. Dr. Gary Edward Schnittjer argues that most of the literature, popular and technical alike, has quietly declined to read that ending as an ending. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer talks with Dr. Schnittjer about his forthcoming commentary on Ezra-Nehemiah in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series. They start with the hyphen. Ezra-Nehemiah is one book split across two scrolls for the same practical reason Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles were split, and reading half of an already difficult book makes it nearly unreadable. From there they work through what happens when you let the ending stand: if the exile was supposed to reform the people, it did not, and God will have to keep his word some other way. Along the way, Nehemiah 8 through 10, where the people ask Ezra for the Torah scroll at the Water Gate on an ordinary day, study Scripture together for eleven days, and then sign an oath committing themselves to a standard higher than the one Torah sets. The canonical question of why the Hebrew Bible ends in Chronicles on a note of hope while Ezra-Nehemiah ends in failure. And the mass divorces, which Dr. Schnittjer reads against the grain of the usual explanations. The book never calls these others Gentiles or foreigners. It calls them non-covenantal. The pressure was economic before it was ethnic, and Ezra-Nehemiah keeps the camera on the whole community rather than the individual households. Dr. Gary Edward Schnittjer is distinguished professor of Old Testament for Cairn Theological Seminary at Cairn University. He writes at Carpenter's Student. Get Ezra-Nehemiah (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament) at amazon.com. This is part two of our conversation. In the previous episode we discussed Connected: How Scripture Guides the Study of Scripture, and in the next two episodes we turn to inter-biblical exegesis and Old Testament Use of Old Testament in Parallel Layout. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

What does great coaching really look like? Furman Women's Volleyball Head Coach Michelle Young and student athlete Emily Navarro join the podcast to explore the evolution of leadership, the challenges of college athletics, and the lessons that extend far beyond the court. From overcoming homesickness to embracing accountability, they discuss how the best coaches develop people, not just performers. This conversation offers valuable insights for leaders, parents, coaches, and anyone striving to build resilience, confidence, and a culture where growth ultimately leads to success.

Why do we become defensive when we receive feedback... even when we genuinely want to grow?In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Jilann continues the Quiet Strength: The Power of Heart Postures series by exploring one of the biggest obstacles to an open heart: defensiveness. Whether feedback comes from a trusted friend, a difficult conversation, or an unexpected life circumstance, our first instinct is often to protect ourselves instead of remaining curious.As the podcast celebrates four years, Jilann reflects on one of the biggest lessons she's learned: growth doesn't happen because we have all the answers. It happens because we're willing to keep learning.Drawing on the Enneagram's Centers of Intelligence, you'll discover how different personality types naturally respond when they feel challenged and how greater self-awareness can help you receive feedback with humility instead of fear.Why defensiveness is a natural response; and how it can quietly limit your growthHow the Enneagram reveals different defensive patternsWhy feedback is information, not your identityPractical ways to respond with curiosity instead of self-protectionHow an open, teachable heart strengthens your leadership and relationshipsReflection questions to help you grow through feedback rather than resist itIf you're a quiet leader who wants to lead with wisdom, humility, and confidence, this episode will encourage you to embrace growth, even when it's uncomfortable.Join our next Quiet Strength Gathering!Keywords: quiet leadership, receiving feedback, defensiveness, personal growth, leadership development, Enneagram, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, teachable leadership, humble leadership, Christian leadership, women in leadership, open heart, Strength in Numbers podcast.

In this episode we'll talk about:Why your calling is something you continually grow into—not something you eventually reach.Why the deepest fulfillment comes from faithfully walking with your calling each day.How every "yes" deepens your relationship with your purpose.Why most callings unfold quietly rather than through one defining moment.How your calling will likely surprise you along the way.Why your calling never truly ends—it continues to unfold throughout your lifeAnd more… START HERE…→ Join The Niche Is You® — my Substack (20K+) — Weekly essays, the full workshop library, the private community + the Quarterly Challenges. → https://mattgottesman.substack.com/aboutNEW HERE…→ 6 Days to Clarity Workshop — clarity for your time, energy, money, creativity, work & play. → https://mattgottesman.com/reverse-engineer-your-life (FREE)CONNECT WITH ME…→ Instagram — @mattgottesman→ TikTok — @mattgottesman→ YouTube — @mattgottesmanRESOURCES…→ Write • Design • Build — my Content Creator Studio & OS masterclass (Included when you join my Substack) — Growing the niche of you, your audience, reach, voice, passion & income — CLICK HERE→ Recommended Book List — CLICK HERE→ Apparel — thenicheisyou.comOTHER RELATED EPISODES:Faith Isn't Knowing the Whole Path… It's Taking the Next Honest StepApple: https://apple.co/3MB62IuSpotify: https://bit.ly/4rZw3RN

What does repealing Sunday shopping laws have to do with rising rates of suicide, alcohol deaths, and drug overdoses? More than you might expect. In this episode of Thinking Christian, I sit down with Dr. Tamar Oostrom, health economist at The Ohio State University, to walk through her research on blue laws, religious decline, and what the data reveals about the hidden costs of losing community. The paper's central finding is striking: states that repealed blue laws — the Sunday retail restrictions that once made church the default social gathering of the week — saw measurable increases in deaths of despair in the years that followed. States that kept those laws did not. The mechanism isn't as simple as more alcohol access. It's something harder to quantify: the erosion of identity, purpose, and the kind of social accountability that comes with belonging to a local religious community. We talk through what economists actually study, why unintended consequences are so hard to see in real time, and why re-instituting blue laws isn't the answer even if the data is compelling. The more useful question is what individuals, employers, and communities can do now to rebuild the connective tissue that those laws once quietly enforced. The conversation also touches on remote work, social media, and the broader collapse of in-person socialization — and what all of it might mean for where deaths of despair go from here. Find more from Tamar Oostrom at https://www.tamaroostrom.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel

What does it really mean to have an open heart?Many of us think an open heart simply means being kind or emotionally vulnerable. But what if it's actually about something deeper? What if an open heart is a teachable heart... one that's willing to stay curious, listen well, and continue growing throughout every season of life?In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Jilann begins the final month of the Quiet Strength: The Power of Heart Postures series by exploring how curiosity and humility shape healthy leadership. Through practical insights and the Enneagram's Harmony (Harmonic) Triads, you'll discover how your natural response to challenges can either keep your heart open to growth or slowly close it off.If you've ever found yourself assuming you already know the answer, becoming set in your ways, or struggling to remain open to new perspectives, this episode offers a gentle invitation to lead with curiosity instead of certainty.What an open heart really is, and what it isn'tWhy curiosity is one of the greatest strengths of a quiet leaderHow the Enneagram's Harmony Triads influence the way you respond to life's challengesHow humility and teachability strengthen your leadership and relationshipsReflection questions to help you remain open to growth in everyday lifeWhy staying curious creates trust, deeper connection, and lasting personal growthYou'll also hear about the Quiet Strength Gathering, a monthly online community where quiet leaders connect, reflect, and encourage one another as they continue growing together.Keywords: quiet leadership, open heart, personal growth, leadership development, teachability, curiosity, Enneagram, Harmony Triads, Harmonic Groups, authentic leadership, Christian leadership, women in leadership, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, Strength in Numbers podcast.

Can the church learn to follow the Spirit into places it hasn't been looking? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma sit down with Dr. Oscar Garcia-Johnson — Professor of Theology and Decolonial Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Spirit Outside the Gate: Decolonial Pneumatologies of the American Global South — for a conversation that will stretch your theological imagination in the best possible way. Oscar unpacks why the Holy Spirit resists every attempt at domestication, why Pentecost was never about cosmetic diversity, and why genuine Christian maturity looks less like doctrinal confidence and more like humble, attentive discernment. Drawing from scripture, church history, and his own journey as a pastor-scholar moving between the church, the academy, and the city, Oscar challenges the "canonical imagination of the West" — not to reject Christian theology, but to reroute it toward a more faithful, Spirit-led witness in a global, pluralistic world. If you've ever felt the tension between theological certainty and genuine openness to what God is doing in surprising places, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Why pneumatology (the study of the Holy Spirit) naturally resists the same gating mechanisms that Christology can fall prey to The difference between relativism and Spirit-led discernment — and why Oscar is firmly not a relativist How the Tower of Babel and Pentecost represent two competing logics still at work in the church today What "terminal knowledge" is and how the Spirit is actively healing it in marginalized communities Why true Christian maturity is relational and active — not self-referential How to ask "Where is God?" instead of only "Where is the devil?" when encountering other cultures and traditions The connection between Acts 7, the Jerusalem Council, and Spirit-led openness to the Gentiles Oscar's new book Decolonial Love in Times of Hatred: 40 Ways to Follow Jesus Today Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

When others doubt you, it makes it hard to want to keep going, but I believe entrepreneurs are resilient. In today's episode, we're discussing overcoming critics, haters, negativity, self doubt and what it looks like to have resiliency in your entrepreneurship journey.If you've ever felt like you are an outsider in your own industry or have face criticism and gossip that wasn't kind, you are in good company and this episode is for you.In This Episode You'll:Hear my own struggles with doubts and critics.Learn how to overcome those negative thoughts and opinions.Determine who is worth paying attention to.Find it quickly:00:20 - Overcoming Doubt & Critics00:53 - Navigating Negativity and Self-Doubt03:35 - The Entrepreneurial Journey: Doubts, Pivots, and Resilience06:36 - The Importance of Mental Fortitude in Business07:47-  Navigating Criticism and Embracing Your Path10:13 - The Power of Being Misunderstood and Staying True to Your CallingMore ways to connect:JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAMWORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACHJOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITERead the full show notes from today's episode HERE.If you're enjoying the content we're creating on the podcast and want to connect with others who are called to both, make sure you come join us in the PhotoBoss® with Joy Michelle Facebook Group!Join Now >>CLICK HERE TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR OF HONEYBOOK!

Is modern life quietly replacing God with something else? In Episode 60 of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Farma welcome back historian and theologian Dr. Kevin Flatt (Associate Dean of Humanities, Redeemer University) to explore one of the most urgent and underexamined ideas in Christian thought today: Sacred Social Order. Every civilization in human history — from ancient China to Mesoamerican empires to early Christian Europe — understood that human society must align with something higher than itself. That intuition isn't gone. It's been replaced. By nationalism. By progressive identity movements. By civil religion. By the cult of the individual. In this wide-ranging conversation, James, Ashish, and Kevin map how the West lost its sacred social order, what quietly took its place, and what the Church must recover — including a radical rethinking of time, space, the Sabbath, and Christian catechesis. If you've ever felt like the world is moving too fast, or that something foundational has been hollowed out — this episode names what it is. Key Takeaways: What "Sacred Social Order" means — and why virtually every pre-modern civilization shared it How secularization doesn't create a vacuum; it creates replacement religions (nationalism, identity politics, civil religion) Why the American founding contains an unresolved ambiguity between Christian and Deist foundations — and what happened when that ambiguity tilted secular How technology is catechizing us into seeing time and space as things to master, not gifts to steward The striking biblical parallel between Sabbath laws and land laws — and what exile means for a church that ignores both Why literal gardening might be one of the most counter-cultural spiritual practices a Christian can adopt today What a Christian catechism for our moment needs to address — and what sacred values compete against it Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

Today on a Daily Walk we'll be challenged to keep growing spiritually, until we arrive in heaven! Last time we examined the requirements for growing, and now let's see the reasons to keep growing. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29?v=20251111

What if secularization isn't the decline of religion — but the replacement of one social order with another? In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma sit down with Dr. Kevin Flatt, professor of history at Redeemer University and author of Secularization, Social Order, and World History, to unpack one of the most provocative frameworks in contemporary Christian thinking: Sacred Social Order. Kevin introduces the idea that every human culture — until the modern West — has organized its life around something higher than itself. He argues that what we call "religion" is actually a uniquely Western, uniquely modern compartment, while Sacred Social Order is the operating system beneath all of culture. From there, the conversation moves through Christian nationalism, the liberal firmware of Western democracy, Philip Reif's cultural warfare thesis, and why your children's public school is not religiously neutral. If you've ever sensed that something deeper than a culture war is unfolding — that the ground itself has shifted — this episode gives you the language to name it. Key Takeaways: What "Sacred Social Order" means, and why it's a more accurate lens than "religion" for understanding culture Why secular order isn't neutral — it has its own values, telos, and demands on individuals How the Christian nationalism debate connects to identical movements in India, Iran, China, and the Muslim world Why Philip Reif's "third culture" thesis is partly right — and where Kevin respectfully pushes back Why public education is never neutral, and what Christians should really be asking about schools Why the gym or the yoga studio may be shaping your theology more than Hinduism is The Labubu doll illustration: how misidentifying spiritual threats reveals our blind spots Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

Keep Growing is a reminder that growth is about becoming more of who you're meant to be. No matter where you are today, every small step forward matters.In this episode of Dr. Davina's Dots we reflect on the importance of continuing to learn, grow, and move toward a life that reflects your values, your purpose, and the person you're becoming. Growth simply requires a willingness to keep moving forward, one step at a time.Musical Selections include Brian Simpson -under the Stars Featuring Isaih Collier Althea Rene Time and space Cape Town Coast Bright moments ahead Defining moments -Dan Siegel Cool BreezeMomentum D.S. Wilson Craigology Acousting Algemy Back to Back Chill Chris Godber Nick Stefannaci Patrick Bradkely Nothing aint feat Darren Rahn Tropical Coast -Lee Jones & David Margam Two Rivers If today's reflection gave you a fresh perspective, I'd love for you to subscribe, share this episode, and continue the journey with me. Sometimes, one small thought can change everything.If today's reflection resonated with you, you'll find similar calming thoughts throughout my books, created to offer gentle perspective, emotional clarity, and meaningful encouragement for everyday life and leadership.My books are designed to help you slow down, reflect deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters, whether you're navigating personal growth, professional demands, or simply seeking a quieter mind in a busy world.You can explore my full collection of books, reflections, and creative experiences at www.drdavinasdots.comUntil next time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do steroids stop producing the same gains over time? In this episode of Drugs N Stuff, Scott McNally and Dave Crosland explain why simply running more drugs for longer eventually leads to diminishing returns—and how experienced bodybuilders structure long growth phases to keep making progress. Plus, we answer your questions on testosterone isocaproate, DHB, Dutasteride, Retatrutide, NAD+, P-21, sauna use, TRT injection frequency and much more. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Why Steroids Eventually Stop Working 1:00 Support Our Sponsors 3:45 How to Plan a 12-Month Growth Phase 13:40 Start Low, Build Slowly & Extend Your Cycle 20:30 Testosterone Isocaproate Half-Life Explained 24:10 Can You Re-Sensitize Yourself to Stimulants? 29:40 Scott's Experience with P-21 31:40 Selank: Scott's Honest Experience 32:50 Low-Dose Testosterone + DHB for a Specific Look 37:00 Sauna Benefits While Using PEDs 41:00 Can Retatrutide Reduce Addiction? 45:00 NAD+ Benefits & Can You Overdo Mitochondria? 48:45 Why Some Lifters Are Leaving Daily TRT Injections 49:45 Does Dutasteride Protect Against Dianabol Hair Loss? 51:50 Why Hydrochlorothiazide Is NOT Potassium Sparing 54:30 LSD as a Treatment for Depression 56:00 Uncle Dave's Wisdom 1:04:00 We Need to Buy Dave a Horn Check out all our affiliates at http://www.thinkbigbodybuilding.com UK Blood Work Get your Labs done by Dave in the UK : https://evalbloodanalysis.com/home/ Support the Podcast Patreon — Help keep the show growing. Even $5/month makes a difference. https://www.patreon.com/thinkbigbodybuilding Sponsors TRUE NUTRITION — Custom supplements for serious lifters Use code THINK to save https://www.truenutrition.com/THINK STROM SPORTS — Performance supplements trusted by athletes UK: https://tinyurl.com/ydmbfa54 US: https://stromsportsus.com Supplement Source Canada — Top brand supplements with fast shipping http://www.supplementsource.ca Merch Official THINK BIG Merch — Train, represent, support the brand https://think-big.printify.me/products

Is "Cultural Christianity" a bridge to the gospel — or a counterfeit that replaces it? In this episode, Dr. James Spencer (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) and Dr. Ashish Varma respond to James Wood's widely-discussed First Things article, In Defense of Cultural Christianity. Together they unpack why calling a civilisation "Christian" when Christ is not its governing authority is not just imprecise — it's theologically catastrophic. From the Christendom narrative and American civil religion to the habituation of virtue, abortion statistics, and a profound meditation on Pentecost in Acts 2, this episode models what serious Christian thinking looks like when it refuses to foreclose on the full authority of Jesus Christ too soon. If you've wrestled with Christian nationalism, the "good, true, and beautiful" in culture, or what it means to vote as a follower of Jesus, this conversation is essential listening. Key Takeaways: Why "a culture influenced by Christianity" is an insufficient — and potentially dangerous — definition of "Christian culture" The concept of "inappropriate foreclosure": closing off our understanding of the good too soon and using that partial view as if it were complete How Robert Bellah's concept of American civil religion explains why Christian language gets co-opted by government without actually conforming people to Christ Why the Book of Acts — specifically Pentecost and the Gentile inclusion — fundamentally disrupts any vision of Christianity as a singular cultural program The Light Bright metaphor: God is the light source; culture is the peg pattern. Christians must point people behind the pegs to the light itself Why policy-driven virtue formation (habituation) has measurable real-world limits — and what the abortion statistics during different administrations actually reveal How Dr. Varma's personal experiences — from campus life on 9/11 to being randomly selected in airports — illustrate why Wood's "civilisational benefit" narrative forecloses on the experiences of many believers Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

We're to grow in Christ until we get to heaven and pastor John Randall will encourage us in that direction today on a Daily Walk. We're going through Second Peter chapter one, as part of our thru the Bible journey. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29?v=20251111

What does it mean to be human — really? In an age of AI, transhumanism, and relentless technological "progress," Christians are making confident claims about humanity without a solid theological foundation underneath them. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma sit down with Dr. Marc Cortez, Dean of the Litvin School of Divinity at Wheaton College, to explore one of the most urgent and underdeveloped doctrines in Christian thought: theological anthropology. Dr. Cortez challenges the tendency to let the Image of God do all the heavy lifting — and makes a compelling case that the human body is not merely an instrument of the soul, but is fundamental to what it means to be made in God's image. Drawing from ancient idol language in Genesis 1, the resurrection, and modern cognitive science, this conversation reorients how Christians should think about embodiment, flourishing, technology, and even taking care of a tree. If you've ever wondered whether your theology can hold up in a world reshaped by AI, this is the episode to start with. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Image of God (Imago Dei) uses ancient idol language — humans are the material means by which God manifests His divine presence in the world We cannot think well about AI, transhumanism, sexuality, race, or disability without first building a robust theology of embodiment The soul-body hierarchy in Christian history was never meant to devalue the body — but it almost always has "Spiritual maturity" and "physical health" belong on the same list — our bifurcation of them reveals a modern, unbiblical blind spot Before making confident claims about technology making us "less human," ask the prior question: what does it mean to be human in the first place? Christian eschatology (resurrected, transformed bodies) gives us more theological complexity around human enhancement than most people realize Dr. Cortez's shorthand for the Image of God: "We are the material means by which God is seeking to manifest His divine presence in a unique way in the world." Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

Can I just say something that I think a lot of us need to hear right now?You are not failing at your business because summer looks different. Summer is supposed to look different

A major project to raise power lines over the St. Johns River is set to finish by the end of this year. When it is done, Jacksonville will be able to handle even larger container ships and join a short list of U.S. ports capable of receiving vessels at that scale.That's why this week on the Not Your Average Investor Show, JWB Co-Founder Gregg Cohen and host Pablo Gonzalez are sitting down with Nick Primrose of the Jacksonville Port Authority to share what the next chapter of port growth means for the people who own rental property here.You'll learn:✅ Why the power line project changes the scale of what Jacksonville can handle, and why that matters for jobs✅ How the economic impact of port growth shows up in housing demand, not just cargo numbers✅ What the port's forward-looking 10-year projection tells investors about where Jacksonville is heading✅ Why Nick believes Jacksonville's best economic chapter is still aheadIf you own rental property in Jacksonville or are thinking about buying here, this episode gives you the economic foundation to guide you.Listen NOW!Chapters:00:00 Jacksonville Growth Market01:20 Meet JaxPort Leadership02:54 Port Jobs And Purpose03:48 Workforce Housing Connection05:30 Economic Impact Numbers07:13 Why Ports Matter Investors11:35 JaxPort 101 Terminals15:12 Neighborhoods And Rent Math18:34 Rail Road Advantage20:17 One Day Truck Reach21:25 Migration Shifts Cargo25:28 Deepening The Harbor28:43 Raising Power Lines30:52 Bigger Ships Bigger Stakes31:31 Jobs Math And TEUs33:55 Landing Major Brands38:57 Public Private Playbook43:00 How Other Ports See Us46:49 Workforce Veterans Advantage49:08 Path Of Progress Investing51:11 Closing Thanks And Next WeekStay connected to us! Join our real estate investor community LIVE: https://jwbrealestatecapital.com/nyai/Schedule a Turnkey strategy call: https://jwbrealestatecapital.com/turnkey/ *Get social with us:*Subscribe to our channel  @notyouraverageinvestor  Subscribe to  @JWBRealEstateCompanies  

The strongest companies don't just grow. They help their people grow with them.In this clip from our recent company-wide Town Hall, Rob Beardsley shares why LSCRE's growth is about more than acquiring new properties. He explains how building a stronger portfolio creates opportunities for the entire team and why growing together is at the core of the company's vision.Learn more about LSCRE at www.lscre.com

What if the church is trapped in the same invisible loop as an addict — and doesn't know it? What does addiction science have to do with the body of Christ? More than you'd think. In this follow-up conversation, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma build on their interview with Dr. David Van Dyke (Wheaton College Marriage & Family Therapy) to explore how systems thinking unlocks a deeper understanding of church health, Christian formation, and why faithful people keep repeating the same destructive patterns. Drawing on Kent Dunnington's groundbreaking work Virtue and Addiction, the conversation reveals that the opposite of virtue isn't simply vice — it's addiction. Both are habit-formed, systems-shaped realities. The hosts then turn this lens on the church: from organizational cultures stuck in toxic loops, to single-issue political formation, to Pharaoh's fear-driven decision-making in Exodus — and what it all reveals about how invisible systems shape us without our awareness. This is a rare conversation: calm, theologically rigorous, and genuinely challenging for anyone who wants to think clearly about what it means to be the body of Christ in the world today. Key Takeaways: Why addiction is the true opposite of virtue — not vice — according to philosopher Kent Dunnington How invisible systems shape our habits, reactions, and identities without our awareness Why single-issue political engagement may be forming us into political animals rather than disciples The Pharaoh principle: how fear-driven, system-bound thinking causes us to miss what God is doing The Ephesus problem: the danger of being doctrinally right but missionally withdrawn What Jeremiah 7 and Acts 7 reveal about mistaking second-order goods (doctrine, temples) for first-order realities What does a multi-denominational coffee shop Bible study teach the church about unity? Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

Most people think of mental health as an individual problem. Dr. David J. Van Dyke — professor, marriage and family therapist, and co-host of the With You podcast — thinks that's exactly the wrong frame. In this episode, Dr. Spencer and Ashish sit down with David to unpack how family systems therapy fundamentally reorients the way we see suffering, relationships, and even the gospel itself. From a rebellious teenager who kept losing possessions until there was nothing left to take, to Paul's language of perseverance in suffering, David draws a sweeping line between relational science and redemptive theology. He argues the entire arc of Scripture — from the intimacy of Eden to the rupture of the Fall to the systemic intervention of the Incarnation — is a relational rupture-and-repair story. And that changes everything about how we do therapy, parenting, church leadership, and discipleship. If you've ever wondered why "doing everything right" doesn't guarantee good outcomes, why moral failure in a pastor becomes a congregational crisis, or what Phil Jackson and the Book of Job have in common — this conversation is for you. Key Takeaways Systems, not individuals, carry symptoms. Depression, anxiety, and misbehaviour often serve a function within the relational system — not just the person. The therapist's real question is "how," not "why." Asking why digs into individual meaning; asking how reveals the relational dance keeping a system stuck. The Incarnation as systemic intervention. Christ didn't just save individuals — He changed the rules of the game. Second-order change. Resilience grows from optimal frustration, not comfort. Numbing pain also numbs joy. The goal is to come alongside suffering, not remove it. Isolation is poison to the human soul. An embodied, safe community is the prerequisite for every hard conversation the church needs to have. Love your spouse as an act of worship. Not a transaction. Not what they deserve. As worship — and it rewires the entire relational dynamic. Western individualism is a therapy problem too. In Illinois, 1 in 15 licensed mental health providers is a marriage and family therapist. The rest are trained to see individuals. The relational blind spot is systemic. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

The Southern Baptist Convention just passed a constitutional amendment restricting women in ministry — and the implications reach far beyond the SBC. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and co-host Ashish Varma sit down with Dr. Beth Allison Barr, historian, Baylor professor, and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhoodand Becoming the Pastor's Wife, to break down what happened, why it matters, and where evangelical Christianity may be heading. Beth traces the amendment's path from 2022 to its overwhelming passage in 2025, explains why Al Mohler's role was decisive, and unpacks the striking inconsistency at the heart of the SBC's position: the same ecclesiology used to avoid accountability for sexual abuse was set aside the moment women's roles came to a vote. We also go deeper into the historical forces behind this moment, from the fundamentalist-modernist controversy to decades of seminary curriculum that have shaped an entire generation of Christians who have never encountered a different reading of scripture. If you've wondered how complementarianism moves toward biblical patriarchy, Beth explains exactly how that progression works and why it isn't accidental. The conversation also takes up the coordination problem: the SBC has Desiring God, the Gospel Coalition, and institutional momentum built over decades. Those committed to keeping these conversations open and honest largely do not. That gap matters, and we name it directly. Topics covered: SBC constitutional amendment, women in ministry, complementarianism vs. egalitarianism, Al Mohler, biblical womanhood, evangelical polarization, church history, Beth Allison Barr Check out Beth's Substack at bethallisonbarr.substack.com, and her books: The Making of Biblical Womanhood and Becoming the Pastor's Wife. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

What does it actually mean to be a male disciple of Jesus? And why does so much of what gets called "biblical masculinity" look more like cultural bravado than anything Jesus modeled or taught? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Kutter Callaway, associate professor of theology and psychology at Fuller Seminary and author of Theology for Psychology and Counseling, to dig into those questions. We talk through how we got here, because this didn't just appear out of nowhere. There's a history, a response to the feminist movement, the Promise Keepers era, and now a political and technological moment that's made a certain vision of masculinity almost impossible to avoid. The tragedy is that the answer to real male loneliness has been, in so many corners of the church, a kind of machismo that has very little to do with the Jesus of the Gospels. We get into how certain exegetes have tried to make Jesus a model of masculine strength in ways the text doesn't support, the structural inconsistencies in how the SBC has applied its ecclesiology, and why discipleship, not dominance, is the frame we actually need. Kutter's closing point, that we need to ask not "what's wrong with you" but "what happened to you," is something worth sitting with. Check out Kutter's work at kuttercallaway.com and his Substack, The Wrong Kind of Christian, at kuttercallaway.substack.com. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

These two verses teachus an important truth about the Christian life. We are to keep growing, but weare also to keep walking. God wants us to continue maturing spiritually whilefaithfully living up to the truth He has already taught us. Atfirst glance, Paul's words may seem a little surprising. In verse 12 he said hewas "not already perfect," yet here in verse 15 he speaks ofthose who are "mature." Is Paul contradicting himself? Not at all. Inverse 12, the word perfect means to be complete or to have reached the finishline. Paul says, "I haven't arrived yet." But in verse 15, the wordmature refers to someone who is spiritually grown up. Paul is saying,"Those who are spiritually mature should have this attitude." Whatattitude? Theattitude he has just described in verses 12 through 14—the attitude of neverbecoming satisfied with our spiritual condition, always pressing forward toknow Christ more fully. The truly mature Christian never believes he hasarrived. The mature believer never stops growing. The mature believer is alwayspressing on. Someone wisely said, "The surest sign of spiritual maturityis realizing how much more there is to learn." That seems opposite ofhuman thinking. We often assume mature Christians have learned everything. Inreality, the closer we walk with Christ, the more we realize how much we stillneed Him. NoticePaul says, "Let us...have this mind." Christian maturity isnot measured merely by how much Bible knowledge we possess. It is measured byour attitude toward spiritual growth. Are we still teachable? Are we stillhungry for God's Word? Do we desire to know Christ more deeply this year thanwe did last year?Sadly,many believers stop growing—not because they stop attending church—but becausethey become comfortable. They become satisfied with yesterday's walk with Godinstead of pursuing Him today. Paul reminds us that mature believers arelifelong learners. Thenhe adds something very encouraging: "And if in anything you thinkotherwise, God will reveal even this to you." Notice Paul's patience.He doesn't argue harshly with believers who have not yet understood thesetruths. Instead, he trusts the Holy Spirit to teach them. This reminds us thatwe cannot force spiritual growth in another person's life. Only God can openhearts. Only God can bring conviction. Only God can illuminate His Word. Ourresponsibility is to faithfully teach the truth. God's responsibility is toapply that truth to the heart. ThenPaul continues in verse 16: "Nevertheless, to the degree that we havealready attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the samemind." In other words, while we continue growing, we must faithfullyobey what we already know. Don't wait until you understand the entire Biblebefore obeying the part you already understand. Jesus said in John 13:17: "Ifyou know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." Knowledge withoutobedience produces spiritual pride. Obedience produces spiritual growth. Godusually gives us enough light for the next step—not the next hundred. Psalm119:105 reminds us: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto mypath." Notice, it is a lamp to our feet. God leads us one step at a time. Paulsays, "Let us walk by the same rule." The word walk speaks ofour daily conduct and manner of life. Christianity is not merely believing theright doctrines; it is living them. The word rule originally referred to ameasuring line or standard. God's Word is the standard by which we live. Wedon't measure ourselves by the culture. We don't compare ourselves with otherChristians. We measure our lives by God's truth. Finally,Paul says, "Let us be of the same mind." As believers growtogether in obedience to God's Word, unity naturally follows. God desires achurch that is united—not around personalities or preferences—but around Christand His truth.

What separates good leaders from great leaders?Is it talent? Experience? Opportunity?Or is it something deeper?In Episode 219 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sit down with my friend Greg for a fascinating conversation about how high-level leaders think. We move beyond leadership strategies and systems and explore the mindset patterns that drive extraordinary growth, influence, and effectiveness.Along the way, we unpack lessons from billionaires, ministry leaders, and decades of leadership experience to discover why some leaders consistently stay ahead while others stay stuck.In this episode, we discuss:Why high-level leaders focus on activities, not just resultsThe difference between inspiration and motivation—and why it mattersHow investing in people creates long-term leadership influenceWhy value always gives you a voiceThe mindset shift needed to navigate major life and ministry transitionsThe five stages every leader experiences during transitionHow to build relationships with high-level leaders and mentorsWhy great leaders stay committed to learning, coaching, and personal growthOne of my favorite moments in this conversation is a lesson I learned from a self-made billionaire who told me:"Everyone asks me what I do. Nobody asks me how I think."That insight became the foundation for a powerful discussion about leadership, growth, influence, and developing the kind of mindset that creates lasting impact.If you're ready to think differently, lead more effectively, and continue growing as the leader God has called you to be, this episode is for you.

Have you ever had a breakthrough, felt unstoppable for a few days or weeks, and then somehow found yourself right back in the same patterns?You raised the rate and then discounted it. You became visible and then disappeared. You trusted yourself and then started asking everyone else what they thought.Most women think they need another breakthrough. More confidence. More motivation. More healing. More strategy.But what if the real problem isn't creating growth?What if the real challenge is learning how to hold it?In this episode, I unpack what I call the Expansion Gap. The distance between what you've created and what your identity, nervous system, and self-trust currently know how to sustain. I explain why so many ambitious women cycle through growth and collapse, why discomfort often shows up the moment expansion begins, and the four shifts I've seen women make when they learn to hold more. More success. More visibility. More responsibility. More of the life they say they want.What You'll Hear• What the Expansion Gap actually is and why it keeps pulling you back into old patterns• The hidden cycle of breakthrough → expansion → discomfort → collapse → repeat• Why your nervous system chooses familiar over possible• The difference between creating growth and sustaining growth• Emotional safety and why discomfort is not the same thing as danger• The truth about self-trust and how it's built one promise at a time• Why standards create identity more than motivation ever will• How future-you is built through today's small decisions• The four practices women use to hold more success, visibility, money, responsibility, and growth• How to close the gap between who you've been and who you're becomingOne Line to Sit With"Your future is not built from the breakthroughs you experience. It's built from what you learn to hold."Your Invitation This WeekPay attention to where you're expanding and where you're collapsing.Notice where you pull back after growth.Notice where you abandon yourself after making progress.Notice where discomfort convinces you to return to what's familiar.Then ask yourself:How can I close the expansion gap today?Not next month.Not next year.Today.Clip-Worthy Moments"Your next level is not built in the breakthrough. It's built in what you normalize afterward.""The breakthrough opens the door. The woman you become afterward determines whether you stay there.""Discomfort is not danger. Most of the time, it's evidence of expansion.""Certainty is something you wait for. Self-trust is something you build.""Your standards create your identity. Not your motivation. Not your circumstances.""The woman who holds more doesn't wait until she feels like her future self. She practices being her today.""You don't become her when the evidence arrives. You become her through the decisions you make before it does."Want to Go Deeper?DM me the word EXPANSION on Instagram and tell me where you're seeing the expansion gap show up in your life. I read every message.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Unblocked Women Collectivehttps://amysanders.co/the-unblocked-woman-collective-33The Unblocked Method™If This Hit You in the ChestSave this episode. Share it with the woman who's tired of starting over every time she grows. And if this conversation resonated with you, leave a review and subscribe so we can continue breaking these patterns together.ConnectInstagram: @its.amysandersWebsite: www.amysanders.coCollective: https://amysanders.thrivecart.com/unblocked-woman-collective-77/Email the Show: support@amysanders.co

s the Old Testament Law a heavy burden to be avoided, or a guide to the heart of the Lawgiver?

For many Christians, the Book of Deuteronomy feels like a dense wilderness of repetitive laws and ancient regulations that seem disconnected from a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

On this Make A Difference Minute, I share a message about growth and the reality that not everyone will understand or celebrate it. As we step into new seasons and move beyond who we used to be, it can challenge the expectations others have placed on us. This segment is a reminder that growth is not betrayal, it's responsibility, and that the right people will support and celebrate who you are becoming. This MADM is brought to you by Green's Dependable Hardware, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Is there a "secret recipe" for biblical fatherhood, or have we been looking at the wrong map?

Welcome to the Wednesday Weekly Win, our business breakthrough story series. Each week, we sit down with real entrepreneurs from our Business By Design community who are building digital businesses and creating results that once felt impossible. In this episode, we're joined by Meytal, a professional dancer turned healing movement coach who built a multiple 6-figure membership business in under 3 years. Guess what? She started with zero knowledge of email automation! After a car accident left her unable to dance, Meytal discovered the Feldenkrais method and created a unique fusion of healing and dance. Meytal shares how she scaled from $1K to $10K months in her first year inside BBD, built a team that ran her business during 6 months of cancer treatment, and shifted from massive live launches to automated webinars. Plus, we dive into her heart-centered marketing approach and why the BBD community became the most meaningful self-development journey of her life. This is another real story of clarity, momentum, and the breakthroughs that happen when you finally stop guessing and start following a proven path. From first digital products to 6-figure launches, to building audiences and scaling systems, every conversation reveals the mechanics of what actually creates growth in a digital business. Because when you see someone just a few steps ahead of what you're doing, something powerful happens. James's biggest free training of the year is right around the corner… The Business Breakthrough Experience - and the first live training kicks off June 11th.  And in the weeks leading up to it, we're creating even more opportunities for you to get the coaching, clarity, and momentum your business truly deserves. Starting this June, we're hosting a special series of live panels featuring incredible Digital CEOs—like Meytal—who are in it, doing it, and ready to share what's actually working right now. These aren't just sit-back-and-watch sessions… You'll be able to join us live on Zoom, ask your questions, and get real-time coaching from experts who have been exactly where you are. And the best way to make sure you don't miss a single one? Register for The Business Breakthrough Experience. You'll be the first to know about every panel, every opportunity to get coached, and every new Wednesday Weekly Win episode—so you can stay inspired, take action, and keep moving forward.