Eleventh book in the New Testament
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This one's a total blast! I promise you'll laugh, learn, and walk away with a few “oh dang, that's good” moments. I'm chatting with one of my private launch clients and dear friends, Misty Hughes, host of Mom~2~Mom Mentoring. We dive into everything from naming your coaching method, like The Mic Drop Mastery Method, why it matters for your brand and how to protect your content while still creating collaboration and connection.All with the goal of keeping your podcast fresh, fun, and full of purpose. Misty shares what she's learned through hosting guests on her podcast — from insights about adult ADHD, mother–daughter relationships, and the unique challenges pastors' wives face — to how she keeps her show rooted in faith, purpose, and joy.I share a few behind-the-scenes strategies for protecting your content, building systems that save your sanity, and using tools to make your workflow smoother (and actually enjoyable again).If you're ready to simplify podcasting, grow your influence, and fall back in love with your microphone, this episode is the spark you need to light that fire again.⏯Press Play and Let's Go!
True gratitude is more than a warm feeling—it’s a God-designed response that reshapes how we see Him, ourselves, and the people around us. Scripture shows that real thankfulness flows from the heart, is rooted in God’s Word, and grows stronger in every circumstance. When we recognize gratitude as a divine gift rather than a human habit, we begin to see how it transforms our faith, our relationships, and our daily mindset. Highlights Gratitude begins in the heart and naturally overflows into worship (Psalm 9:1). Scripture calls us to give thanks in all circumstances—not just the pleasant ones (1 Thessalonians 5:18). True gratitude doesn’t pick favorites; it thanks God for everything, trusting His goodness (Ephesians 5:20). We thank Jesus for His strength, His calling, and His constant work in our lives (1 Timothy 1:12). Genuine gratitude includes thanking God for fellow believers who walk beside us (Colossians 1:3). Remembering God’s past deeds fuels present praise and future confidence (Psalm 9:1). Gratitude celebrates the grace God pours out on others (1 Corinthians 1:4). We give thanks for the faith growing in believers around the world (Romans 1:8). Gratitude honors the love God cultivates in His people (Ephesians 1:15–16). Remembering others in prayer is itself an act of gratitude (Philippians 1:3). Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: What the Bible Teaches about True Gratitude By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 In looking to learn about gratitude, the Bible is our teacher, with God being the author and creator of gratitude. It isn’t a human invention but a God-given response that rises up within us because He created us to express gratitude to Him. In learning to thank Him, it’s where thankfulness spills over to expressing gratitude to those we love and even strangers we interact with on a daily basis. Gratitude isn’t by any means a product of human nature or our fallen world, but rather a divine gift from God above who stirs it up deep within our hearts. Throughout the Bible, God encourages us to give thanks and to show true gratitude. The following are ten true characteristics the Bible teaches about true gratitude. True biblical gratitude comes from the heart. If anyone knew how to express gratitude to God, it’s David. Whether shepherd boy or king, his heart seemed to overflow with it. David teaches us that gratitude is a heart issue, writing in Psalm 9:1, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” True biblical gratitude is for all circumstances. Gratitude has no boundaries, meaning it isn’t reserved for happy times only, which the Apostle Paul knew all too well, experiencing many circumstances in his life, difficult ones. So, if anyone knew how to give thanks in all circumstances, it was him. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, he shares his wisdom, writing, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” True biblical gratitude is for everything. Whether good, bad, or ugly, the Bible teaches that true gratitude makes no exceptions in life. No matter if life is empty or full, we’re called to give thanks to God, focusing on Him and not what’s going on in our lives. As Ephesians 5:20 urges, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” True biblical gratitude is given to Jesus for all He does for us. For all the benefits and blessings we receive from Christ Jesus, the Bible teaches us to give thanks. Paul models how in 1 Timothy 1:12, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service.” True biblical gratitude thanks the Father for fellow believers. True gratitude thanks God for our brothers and sisters in Christ, as Colossians 1:3 encourages. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” True biblical gratitude remembers God’s wonderful deeds. In Psalm 9:1, David points out the importance of remembering and telling others every wonderful deed God has performed. True biblical gratitude includes thanking God for the grace He gives to others. As 1 Corinthians 1:4 encourages us, “I always thank my God for you because of His grace given to you in Christ Jesus.” True biblical gratitude offers thanks for the faith of others. Paul teaches us how true gratitude thanks God for the faith He gives to those around us, as he wrote in Romans 1:8. “First, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.” True biblical gratitude honors love in others. Paul, again, in Ephesians 1:15-16 explains, “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” True biblical gratitude is expressed in remembering others. As Philippians 1:3 reminds us to give thanks in remembering others. “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Our best teacher when it comes to learning about true gratitude is found in the Bible. As the author of gratitude, no one knows or can teach us more about it than God. He is our authority on how, when, where, and why to express it. Further Reading:Cultivating Thankfulness Each and Every Day of the Year Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Share a commentGrace doesn't wait for perfect conditions; it reaches the soul right where life feels unmoved. We close our journey through Philippians by tracing how Paul's final lines pull the whole letter into focus: greet every saint, honor the family of faith, and rest in the grace that Christ applies to the spirit, not the circumstances. Along the way, we dismantle the myth of sainthood as a status for a rare few and recover the New Testament vision—saints are all believers set apart in Christ, called, known, and needed.We walk through Paul's four circles of greeting: the local church in Philippi, the brothers beside him, the wider community of believers in Rome, and the surprising believers within Caesar's household. Each circle reveals something vital about a gospel-shaped community. Leaders speak dignity to every member. Brothers and sisters belong to each other because they belong to Christ. Bridges get built even when disappointment lingers. And the gospel advances in unlikely places, reminding us that grace is not fragile; it flourishes under pressure.Throughout the conversation, we keep returning to the center—Jesus Christ. Identity, joy, contentment, and perseverance are not self-manufactured; they are rooted in union with Him. That means we don't pray on the strength of a good week, and we don't serve on the basis of a flawless record. We live under a lavish downpour of unmerited favor, enough for each trial and every day until faith becomes sight. If you've ever wondered whether you're worthy to be used by God, or if your past disqualifies you from hope, this message invites you to breathe again: you are a saint by calling, a sibling in a family, and a witness to grace at work.If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others discover these teachings.The first of Stephen's two volumes set through the Book of Revelation is now available. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ3XCJMYSupport the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Episode SummaryWhat if peace wasn't just a feeling you occasionally experience but a person you follow daily? In this episode, Coach Alex sits down with author, speaker, and podcast host Michelle Brumgard to explore what she calls The Pace of Peace.Michelle shares how years of praying for calm—in her body, her marriage, and her home—revealed that true peace isn't found in quick fixes, quiet moments, or the absence of chaos, but in Christ Himself, the Prince of Peace.Through vulnerable stories of motherhood, marriage struggles, overwhelm, and the practical demands of daily life, Michelle helps us understand how to pause, pray, and invite Jesus into the middle of our messy days.Together, Alex and Michelle unpack how peace intersects with our health, fitness, and homes—and why striving for control only leads to more overwhelm. Whether you're a busy parent, a believer battling stress, or simply hungry for God's presence in your everyday life, this conversation will remind you to slow down, breathe, and walk at the pace of peace.Main Discussion Themes-Why peace is not just an emotion but a person (Jesus, the Prince of Peace)-Michelle's journey: from overwhelm, anxiety, and striving to living at God's pace-The difference between worldly peace (quick fixes, calm moments) and biblical peace-Overwhelm as the opposite of peace—and practical ways to reset-The P.A.C.E. acronym: Pray And Continue Earnestly-How overwhelm shows up in parenting, marriage, health, and the home-Simple daily practices for pausing, praying, and re-centering on Christ -Michelle's free resource: Five Proverbs to Pray When You Feel Overwhelmed-Her upcoming book The Pace of Peace (January release)Timestamped Outline00:00 – 05:00 | Pre-show: life on the farm, fiber internet, kids growing up05:00 – 12:00 | Introducing Michelle: mom of two, podcast host, relaunching her coaching ministry 12:00 – 20:00 | Why peace became her life's message (journaling, prayer, revelation)20:00 – 28:00 | What peace is not: quick fixes, pills, naps, or achieving goals28:00 – 40:00 | Biblical peace as presence with Christ—even in chaos 40:00 – 55:00 | Overwhelm: the opposite of peace (parenting, schedules, meals, body image)55:00 – 01:05:00 | Practical resets: journaling, prayer, prioritizing with God01:05:00 – 01:15:00 | The P.A.C.E. acronym: Pray And Continue Earnestly01:15:00 – 01:25:00 | Free resource: Five Proverbs to Pray When You Feel Overwhelmed01:25:00 – 01:30:00 | Final encouragement + closing prayerMove Forward Today✅Get Coach Alex's new book today! Faithful Fitness Devotional (40-Day Guide): https://faithfulfitnessdevo.com✅Join the BetterDaily community! Faith And Fitness Foundations: https://betterdaily.live/beginner ✅Download Michelle's free resource – Five Proverbs to Pray When You Feel Overwhelmed (link in show notes).✅Listen to The Pace of Peace Podcast for weekly encouragement and biblical guidance.✅Pause & Pray – When overwhelm hits, stop and bring your list to God.✅Look for Evidence of Peace – Write down small ways God is showing His faithfulness today. ✅Pre-order Michelle's book The Pace of Peace (January release).Featured Guest Resources-Free Resource: Five Proverbs to Pray When You Feel Overwhelmed-Podcast: The Pace of Peace Podcast-Book: The Pace of Peace (releasing January)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.
We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is Philippians 4:1–9. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Kristyn Getty. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter
Hey friends, welcome back to another episode of Anchored by the Sword Podcast! Today's conversation is extra special because I'm recording in person with my friend, Destiny Tackett. Funny enough, Destiny and I met the way all great friendships begin… through a coffee shop that I'm basically a permanent resident of. They know my order so well that if I dare switch it up, the whole place goes into shock — but here we are.Destiny is 24, a ministry graduate, a barista, and a young woman who carries the kind of story that reminds you just how faithful God is — even in the moments when life is loud, chaotic, and full of pain. She grew up in a very difficult home environment: seven siblings, a father who has been in prison her whole life, abuse from a step-parent, and years of coping with the only tools brokenness gives you. Her story is heavy, but it's also overflowing with God's redemption.In this episode, Destiny shares how Jesus tugged on her heart at the end of high school — even while she was still partying, smoking weed, and trying to numb everything she'd lived through. She applied for ministry school while still feeling completely unqualified, yet God kept drawing her closer. College became the place where the Lord peeled back layers, exposed wounds that needed tending, and surrounded her with pastors, mentors, and friends who helped her walk into real freedom.Destiny talks honestly about: • Growing up in trauma and learning to name the pain • Coping through food, alcohol, weed, and porn — and how Jesus met her right there • Being willing to heal privately and publicly • Becoming a light in a family full of sorrow and cycles • Learning what it means to be God's daughter • Being an ambassador of hope in everyday conversations • Wrestling through real-time grief as our world feels heavier by the dayWe also talk about the events in our world recently — the violence, the tragedies, the overwhelming grief that many of us have felt so deeply. Destiny shares how the Lord has taught her to hold hope and grief together, and how remembering that we fight a real enemy actually anchors her heart in truth.She reminds us that Jesus has overcome, He is still reigning, and He is near to the brokenhearted even when our emotions try to tell us otherwise.This episode is such an encouragement for anyone who's walking through heaviness — personal or global. Destiny's story is a reminder that the gospel is not just a past event. It is active, alive, and holding us up in real time.Be sure to share this episode with someone who needs hope today.Bio:Destiny Tackett is a young Christian in her twenties who is learning to walk out ministry and discipleship in the rhythms of everyday life. With a heart marked by vulnerability, Destiny is committed to embracing healing from past traumas and sorrows while inviting others to experience God's nearness in their own stories.Through her journey, Destiny has discovered a profound truth: the Lord has been present in every step, even in the moments when His hand felt hidden. Her life reflects a growing trust in a God who is unfailingly good, deeply loving, and righteous in all His ways. Destiny's hope is to point others toward that same faithful God as she continues to grow, serve, and walk in obedience to His call.Anchor Verses:John 16:332 Corinthians 5:16–20 Philippians 1:6Connect with Destiny:FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1pZzGdVy/?mibextid=wwXIfr***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***
It's Thanksgiving Day—and between the turkey, the pie, and the endless sink of dishes, it's easy for even the most grateful heart to slip into grumbling. But what if this Thanksgiving, instead of focusing on what's missing, we helped our daughters rediscover the beauty of selflessness? In this warm and faith-filled Thanksgiving episode, Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, and Melissa Bearden unpack how gratitude can transform a selfish heart into a selfless one. Drawing on Proverbs 11:25, they remind us that "whoever refreshes others will be refreshed," and that true thankfulness doesn't stop at words—it's lived out in acts of generosity, humility, and service. You'll also hear from Patti Garibay, AHG Founder and Executive Director Emeritus, in a Raising Godly Girls Minute. This powerful one-minute serves as a reminder that selflessness isn't just good manners—it's a mark of spiritual maturity. Through practical ideas like encouraging your daughter to serve someone quietly or offering gratitude to others at the Thanksgiving table, Rachael and Melissa show how even small acts of service can cultivate joy and reshape a heart toward Christlike giving. As moms, it's tempting to chase perfection during the holidays—but this episode will remind you that the most meaningful memories are made when we slow down, serve, and model the selfless love of Jesus. Whether you're tuning in from the kitchen or the car ride to Grandma's, this Thanksgiving conversation will help you center your heart (and your daughter's!) on what really matters: a spirit of gratitude that overflows into generous love. Three Things to Remember: Selflessness is the antidote to selfishness. A life focused on others brings the refreshment God promises in Proverbs 11:25. Gratitude grows through service. Serving shifts our daughters' eyes from what they lack to how much they have to give. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. Daily selflessness and intentional gratitude build a rhythm of generosity that honors God year-round. Scripture Referenced in This Episode: Proverbs 11:25 – "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Philippians 2:3–4 – "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." John 13:14–15 – Jesus' example of humble service in washing His disciples' feet. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – "Give thanks in all circumstances." Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools. Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.
Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.
Do you ever feel like true peace is just out of reach? The Bible speaks of the God's peace, but navigating life's anxieties and challenges can make it feel more like a distant concept than a daily reality. In this episode of Bible Connection, we sit down with author and pastor Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, to explore one of the most powerful and prevalent themes in Scripture: peace. Recommended Bible Resource: The Peace of God Bible: The Peace of God Bible invites you to experience the power of God's peace in your life as you engage with God's Word. Devotions guide you in meditating on this important theme of Scripture each day. Short notes offer powerful insights into the way God works out peace in your life as you read. Study lists invite you to apply the Bible's teaching to specific areas of your life. See more: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/nkjv-peace-of-god-bible/ Referenced Scripture: Romans 8 Philippians 4 Judges 6 John 9:2-3 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Colossians 3:15 Connect with Jeremiah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jeremiahj
Join Jacobs Premium: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/membershipThe book club (use code LEWIS): https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/offers/aLohje7p/checkoutThis is part three of our three-part series on the seven ecumenical councils, focusing on the philosophical commitments embedded in the final five councils from Ephesus to Nicaea II. We examine the Nestorian controversy and Cyril of Alexandria's defense of moderate realism, the doctrine of complex natures, and the distinction between common faculties and idiosyncratic use in the monothelite debate. The episode concludes with the monoenergist controversy's codification of the essence-energies distinction and the ontology of image and archetype in iconography.All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs00:00:00 - Intro00:05:36 Dogma vs. Kerygma: Basil's Distinction 00:10:26 The Council of Ephesus: Nestorius vs. Cyril 00:14:56 Moderate Realism and Complex Natures00:23:18 Nestorius's Metaphysical Error00:30:14 Why Mary Is Theotokos00:45:02 The Monophysite Controversy After Ephesus00:49:19 The Council of Chalcedon 00:57:00 Common Nature, Idiosyncratic Use01:02:00 The Theandric Operations: John of Damascus's Analogy01:07:56 The Essence-Energies Distinction in the Councils 01:13:34 Against Calling It "Palamite" 01:19:09 Nicaea II and the Ontology of Images Other words for the algorithm… ecumenical councils, Christology, Chalcedon, Council of Ephesus, Nestorius, Cyril of Alexandria, moderate realism, complex natures, theotokos, patristics, church fathers, early Christian philosophy, Byzantine theology, Eastern Orthodox, Orthodox theology, hupóstasis, essence-energies distinction, Gregory Palamas, Cappadocian fathers, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, John of Damascus, Maximus the Confessor, monothelite controversy, monoenergist controversy, monophysitism, Apollinarianism, hypostatic union, two natures one person, divine energies, theosis, deification, incarnation, Nicene Creed, Constantinople, Council of Chalcedon, hyalomorphism, Aristotle, Plato, realism, nominalism, universals, particular, form and matter, substance, accidents, common nature, Christian metaphysics, patristic theology, systematic theology, philosophical theology, philosophy of religion, Christian philosophy, Thomas Aquinas, scholasticism, medieval philosophy, ancient philosophy, Neoplatonism, divine simplicity, divine freedom, anthropology, theological anthropology, imago dei, image of God, iconography, Nicaea II, body and soul, will, free will, monothelitism, Apollinaris, Athanasius, homoousios, consubstantial, Trinity, divine nature, human nature, rational soul, theandric operations, dogma, kerygma, divine liturgy, anti-Chalcedonian, Council of Constantinople, moderate realist, extreme realism, archetypal ideas, common will, idiosyncratic use, Philippians 2, morphe, kenosis, inflamed blade analogy, David Bradshaw, essence and energies, Aristotle East and West, Gregory of Nazianzus, Chrysostom, ontology, metaphysics, formal properties, genera and species, specific difference
Philippians 2:17-3:21 This time we’ll look at what Paul means by “joying” at the thought of being offered upon the sacrifice and service of the Philippian’s faith. We get some insights about Timothy and another warning against self serving religious … Continue reading →
Welcome to the launch of our new series, "Grateful Anyway: A Choice That Can Transform Your Life." In this opening message, Bradley Medford takes us to one of the most challenging settings imaginable—a Roman prison—where the Apostle Paul penned some of the most hope-filled words in Scripture. In Philippians 4:6–7, Paul connects prayer with thanksgiving and reveals how this combination unlocks a peace that defies logic. What does it look like to be thankful when life feels like a storm? How can we experience God's peace when our circumstances haven't changed? And what if gratitude isn't about what's happening around us, but about who God is in the midst of it all? This message will challenge you to replace worry with prayer and discover how thankfulness—even in the hardest seasons—can transform your perspective and bring supernatural peace. Series Theme: This series explores how to find and express thankfulness even when circumstances are far from perfect. True gratitude isn't based on circumstances—it's rooted in the character of God, which never changes. Scripture: Philippians 4:6–7 Whether you're in a season of blessing, uncertainty, or somewhere in between, we pray this message encourages you to choose gratitude anyway.
A new MP3 sermon from FairHavens Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Confidence In Hard Times Subtitle: Book of Philippians Speaker: Bob Kirkland Broadcaster: FairHavens Baptist Church Event: Devotional Date: 11/20/2025 Length: 6 min.
The Apostle Paul, from Philippians 1:6 instructs us on God's assured work in believers — that God, Who began a good work, will carry it to completion, giving confidence, perseverance, and a joy of anticipation even amid trials. The episode explores salvation, sanctification, the "day of Christ," and practical encouragement to trust Gods ongoing work in the Lord's Churches and in individual lives.
Contemporary people stare at the biblical concept of humility the way a cow stares at a new gate. The approach of our culture is expressive individualism, and it completely flies in the face of what the Bible says about the importance of humility. So let's look in Philippians 2 at this concept of humility. This magnificent passage tells us about 1) a sickness we have, 2) what we would look like if we were healthy, and 3) how to get the cure. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 23, 2010. Series: The Real Signs of the Spirit. Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
Gary continues speaking with Kim Burgess about 1 Corinthians 15 and the timing and nature of the resurrection. Kim continues teaching about Sheol, the realm of the dead, and how Jesus gave victory over it. Believers no longer die and go to Sheol, they immediately enter the presence of Christ. As Paul taught, "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21) and "absent from the body, present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8).
Share a commentA thank-you note written in chains shouldn't feel this joyful, but Paul's letter to the Philippians turns generosity into worship, partnership, and a promise with real weight. We walk through Philippians 4:14–20 to show how a small church that “gave until it hurt” became equal partners in the work of the gospel—and even in its reward. When others forgot Paul, Philippi remembered. Their loyalty paid past debts, covered present needs, and overflowed into future ministry, not just for Paul but for everyone tied to their account.We unpack what koinonia really means: not potlucks or polite fellowship, but deep, sacrificial investment. Paul borrows banking language to say their giving “increases to your account,” the compounding interest of eternal reward. Then he shifts to temple language—“a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice”—to frame generosity as worship God sees and values. That blend of market and altar imagery grounds a famous promise often pulled out of context: “My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Not a blank check, but a pledge to givers who meet real needs with real sacrifice. “According to his riches” means provision measured by the Giver's wealth, not by our limits.Along the way, we revisit Philippi's origin story—Lydia's hospitality, a freed slave girl, a jailer's family—and trace how gratitude matured into ongoing support. We also face the sobering reality of missed opportunities from other churches and ask what investments we might be overlooking today. The episode crescendos with Paul's doxology, moving from “my God” to “our God,” inviting us into shared praise and shared mission. If you're hungry for a faith that turns dollars into doxology and partnership into purpose, this conversation will sharpen your vision for giving that lasts.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage to give, and leave a review to help others find it. Then tell us: where are you investing your time and treasure this week?The first of Stephen's two volumes set through the Book of Revelation is now available. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ3XCJMYSupport the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Desire is part of being human—but Psalm 73:25 reminds us that nothing on earth can satisfy us the way God does. When our plans stall, doors close, or God simply says “not yet,” it’s easy to feel the sting of disappointment. Yet in those very moments, He invites us to rediscover a deeper truth: He is enough. The longings we carry—relationships, opportunities, fulfillment—are not wrong, but they are never meant to replace the One who satisfies the soul. When we release our grip on what we think we need, we often discover that God has already given us everything essential for life, peace, and joy. Highlights Our desires are real, but they can quietly take priority over God without us realizing it. God’s “no” or “not yet” often shapes our character more than His “yes.” Seasons of lack can reveal how fully God satisfies the weary and longing heart (Psalm 107:9). Blessings are gifts, not guarantees—and never substitutes for intimacy with God. Contentment grows when we trust that God withholds nothing we truly need (Psalm 23:1). God is unchanging—faithful in abundance and faithful in scarcity (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). Choosing gratitude over discontent quiets fear and centers our hearts on His goodness. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: God Is Everything We Truly Need By Hannah Benson Bible Reading: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” - Psalm 73:25 ESV. We know that truly, there is no one in heaven that we have but God Himself, and none on earth that we ought to desire besides Him, but that is SO much easier said than done. If you’re anything like me, then there are probably so many desires tucked away in the secret corners of your heart. Hopes and dreams that you treasure in your heart like Mary. What should we do when God says “no”? When God doesn’t give us everything we ask for? How can we truly say with a heart full of faith, “there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you,” when there are other things we want as well? Think about it. What is something you long for? Perhaps a child. A spouse. A new job. About a year ago, the Lord really impressed on my heart a time in my life where every “no” from Him meant to grow and cultivate me into His image felt like a devastating blow to my plans. During one of my moments of discontentment, the Lord whispered to my weary heart, “Am I enough for you?” His words, soft and gentle yet far from condescending, brought an instant prick of conviction to my heart. When did God stop being enough for me? Of course, I thought He was enough. If someone were to ask me if He were enough, I would’ve said yes and thought I was being honest. But when did I start putting things I wanted above God? When did I start seeing the glass as half-empty instead of counting my blessings? I remember moments in my life where there were things I deeply desired - and didn’t have. Friendships are an open door to serve in media ministry, among others. In those seasons of “lack”, God taught me that I really had everything I needed. I may have desired good things, and it didn’t mean God didn’t want to eventually bless me with those things. (After all, God loves to give good gifts to His children). But God wanted to show me that He was enough for my weary soul. I didn’t need a specific job or to serve on a particular project (although that would be nice). I didn’t need to have specific friendships (although I would appreciate them if the Lord chose to bless me with them). As much as I deeply desired those gifts, the truth is, I didn’t “need” any of it. Anything God chooses to bless me with is still His and is a gift. It’s not for my own selfish gain, either, but a tool to further His Kingdom for His glory. “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9 ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Dear friend, God will certainly bless you with good things. It may not look exactly like you’d thought, but it will be good. We are reassured that the Lord doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6) and again in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) when the author writes to the Hebrews the promise that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In our highest moments, when we’re successful, rich, and have everything we could ever want, God is good. But if God never changes, then the opposite is true, too. In our lowest moments, when we are barely making ends meet, and when we’re waiting for a miracle that we’re not even sure will come, God is still good. He loves us and will overflow our cup with His love, comfort, mercy, and grace, riches that far surpass any this world could give. I’ve been on both sides. There are times when I wrestle with a cup that feels as if it’s half-empty. I also know what it’s like to have that same glass overflowing with the love of the Lord. We can either choose to be discontented and experience growing dissatisfaction (and then nothing will ever satisfy, not even if we receive the very thing which we want). Or we can choose to trust that God has given us everything we need (2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 23:1). It is in those moments I find my heart quiets, anxiety stills, and fear flees. And I come to realize that I’ll be okay even if I don’t get what I want because God will not withhold anything I need. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Share a commentA thank-you note written in chains shouldn't feel this joyful, but Paul's letter to the Philippians turns generosity into worship, partnership, and a promise with real weight. We walk through Philippians 4:14–20 to show how a small church that “gave until it hurt” became equal partners in the work of the gospel—and even in its reward. When others forgot Paul, Philippi remembered. Their loyalty paid past debts, covered present needs, and overflowed into future ministry, not just for Paul but for everyone tied to their account.We unpack what koinonia really means: not potlucks or polite fellowship, but deep, sacrificial investment. Paul borrows banking language to say their giving “increases to your account,” the compounding interest of eternal reward. Then he shifts to temple language—“a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice”—to frame generosity as worship God sees and values. That blend of market and altar imagery grounds a famous promise often pulled out of context: “My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Not a blank check, but a pledge to givers who meet real needs with real sacrifice. “According to his riches” means provision measured by the Giver's wealth, not by our limits.Along the way, we revisit Philippi's origin story—Lydia's hospitality, a freed slave girl, a jailer's family—and trace how gratitude matured into ongoing support. We also face the sobering reality of missed opportunities from other churches and ask what investments we might be overlooking today. The episode crescendos with Paul's doxology, moving from “my God” to “our God,” inviting us into shared praise and shared mission. If you're hungry for a faith that turns dollars into doxology and partnership into purpose, this conversation will sharpen your vision for giving that lasts.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage to give, and leave a review to help others find it. Then tell us: where are you investing your time and treasure this week?The first of Stephen's two volumes set through the Book of Revelation is now available. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ3XCJMYSupport the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Philippians 4:2–9. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. Browse other resources from Andrew M. Davis. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter
The 11/2/2025 message by Mike Gowens is the fifth sermon in the Exposition of Philippians series. Br Gowens considers once again Paul's prayer in the salutation to the Philippian Church, a prayer appearing in Phi. 1:3-11. The content of his prayer consists of two parts: 1) Thanksgiving (vs 3-6), 2) Intercession (vs 8-10).
We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is Philippians 2:1–11. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. Browse other resources from Jen Wilkin. ESV Bible narration read by Kristyn Getty. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter
In this heartfelt 200th episode, Carrie reflects on five years of podcasting and God's steady faithfulness through seasons of loss, doubt, and unexpected grace. She shares two “secret weapons” for overcoming discouragement and finding renewed strength when life feels heavy.Episode Highlights:-Honest reflections on the highs and lows of podcasting for five yearsTwo biblical “secret weapons” to help you escape discouragement and find hope again.-Why contentment is something we learn through experience—and how Philippians 4 teaches us to live it out.-How to stay rooted in faith when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.-Practical ways to apply mindfulness and Christian mental health tools for OCD, anxiety, and emotional burnout.-Encouragement to keep showing up in your calling, trusting that God is still at work even when you can't see the results yet.Explore the Christians Learning ICBT training: https://carriebock.com/training/ Carrie's services and courses: carriebock.com/services/ carriebock.com/resources/Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianfaithandocd/and like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/christianfaithandocd for the latest updates and sneak peeks.
At Times, Are You Unrepentant in Your Spiritual Life and, Therefore, “storing up wrath for yourself on the {Judgement} day of wrath”? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Penitence is not a once in a lifetime occurrence. Penitence is a daily and moment by moment occurrence. None of us is perfect, and not one of us always does the will of God. Paul, in Romans 2:4-5, is unequivocal in establishing the need for your continuing penitence and the consequences of your not repenting of your sins on a real-time basis: “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.". Therefore, we all need to repent and return to the Lord. You can become cocky and arrogant in your spiritual life – “I am a Christian; God has done this for me.”. As the Psalmist tells us in Psalms 32:5 of his confession and his penitence: “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.". You can rest on our perceived laurels; but these perceptions, of personal goodness and righteousness, can lead you quickly to a need for your penitence. TODAY'S PRAYER: Most merciful God I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of Your Name. Amen. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will rejoice in Him (Philippians 4:4). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Mathew 3:8-11; Romans 2:4-5; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Psalms 140:1-13. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Thanks-Living”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Pastor Scott Kimball teaches from Philippians 4, discussing the process laid out by the Apostle Paul for sanctification.bfc4u.org, facebook.com/bfc4u
26 Ezekiel 24-25; 19 Psalms 107; 50 Philippians 4; 51 Colossians 1
Ezekiel 22; Psalms 106; Philippians 2
A new MP3 sermon from FairHavens Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Giving Thanks In Hard Times Subtitle: Book of Philippians Speaker: Bob Kirkland Broadcaster: FairHavens Baptist Church Event: Devotional Date: 11/19/2025 Length: 7 min.
In this episode of Pray the Word on Philippians 4:6–7, David Platt encourages us to present our anxieties before God.Explore more content from Radical.
In this episode, Brooke shares her personal journey of reclaiming her voice and confidence after years of shrinking back under limiting labels. Through a powerful story about meeting Shirley, a woman who overcame her fear of praying aloud at a Live Out Loud retreat, Brooke illustrates how stepping into your true calling can activate both your faith and impact. She explores the themes of joy, courage, and identity in Christ, encouraging listeners to reject any labels that diminish their worth and boldly embrace the power of their voice. Brooke also invites listeners to her Activate Your Impact Masterclass, empowering women to realign their faith, voice, and vision for unshakable confidence and influence. This inspiring episode is a reminder that your voice was never meant to be silent—it was made to live out loud. It's time to ACTIVATE what God's already placed in YOU. Realign your FAITH, VOICE, and VISION — and step into UNSHAKABLE IMPACT.
Share a commentLooking for peace that doesn't evaporate when life changes? We dive into Philippians 4 and trace Paul's road-tested way of contentment from a prison room that felt more like a garden than a cell. Chained, underfed, and largely forgotten, he still rejoices—and shows us why gratitude, responsibility, acceptance, and dependence are not clichés but practices that reshape the heart. We also tackle the most misused line in the passage—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—and set it back into its true frame: strength to endure what God assigns, humility to handle abundance, and courage to keep going when resources run low.You'll hear how Paul reframes a small gift as blooming care, why learning in Scripture always means applying, and how contentment draws from inner resources in Christ rather than external substitutes like income, status, or comfort. We share practical ways to translate knowledge into wisdom under pressure, resist comparison, and accept today's assignment without resentment. Along the way, an unforgettable story about David Livingston's “walking stick” becomes a vivid picture of what we've been given—not a tool from the King, but the King himself.If your heart keeps reaching for “one more thing,” this conversation offers a grounded path forward. Expect honest realism about suffering and joy, plus clear steps to practice: name present mercies, apply one truth today, accept where you are, and rely on Christ for the next faithful move. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs steady hope, and leave a review to help others find these messages.The first of Stephen's two volumes set through the Book of Revelation is now available. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ3XCJMYSupport the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
My son had the privilege of playing football for one of the best coaches in our state. Now, he had six years of championship football behind him when he took over our team. And they managed to win a conference championship every season, or in some cases, they won the state championship. One of the reasons is that he was a genius at knowing what position a boy would play best. Of course the player didn't always agree with that. I was there in the locker room on some of the days when that coach announced that he was changing a certain player's assignment. And man, there were not happy campers in the locker room. There were cries of, "Hey, I'm a tackle! Coach, I'm an end. I'm a linebacker! What's he putting me in that position for?" Well, they weren't grumbling by the end of the season. By that time they were on a championship team and very often they received honors for playing the position he had assigned them to. But at the time the change was made, it didn't feel very right. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "When the Coach Changes Your Assignment." Paul's coach changed his assignment. Our word for today from the Word of God talks about it. It's Philippians 1:7 - Paul is writing from prison. Here he had been out preaching, building churches, and the coach said, "I've got a new assignment for you." I don't know how the player felt, but I can see how he is handling it. Because he says three different things - first in verse 7: "Whether I'm in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me." First, God's grace is carrying him through his change of assignment. Secondly in chapter 1, verse 12, he says, "I just want you to know that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." So secondly he says, "Look, the kingdom's being advanced whether I'm doing it or not." Then in chapter 1, verse 20, he's got a third source of encouragement. He said, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." Even here, even under these circumstances, whether by life or death. He's saying, "Hey, look! I've got a new platform - this prison cell is a new platform, and the people here are watching me. You're watching me here. How am I handling it? It's a new platform from which I can honor my Jesus. Maybe the coach is changing your assignment right now! It's the coach's right to do that. Players don't assign themselves. Maybe he's assigning you to a new job, or maybe he's pushing you to take on a larger responsibility than you feel ready for. Maybe, on the other hand, he's asking you to play a background, supporting role when actually you'd like something bigger where people will see you more. Maybe he's assigned you to a hospital bed, or a nursing home, or to some physical restrictions; to singleness. Paul handled the changes in his life with three encouragements: number one, grace enough no matter where the assignment is. The grace always equals the assignment. Paul had decided "God, it's Your kingdom come, not my kingdom come." And he knew that God's Kingdom would be advanced by him being where God assigned him, not where he assigned himself. Then thirdly, that God can give you a platform anywhere from which you can glorify Christ. And so Paul is able to say in chapter 4, "I have learned wherever I am to be content, because I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Don't be afraid of the coach's assignment. He knows His players; He knows just the right spot for you. So trust the coach. He's never been wrong about anyone who plays on His team."
Send us a textLooking for peace that doesn't evaporate when life changes? We dive into Philippians 4 and trace Paul's road-tested way of contentment from a prison room that felt more like a garden than a cell. Chained, underfed, and largely forgotten, he still rejoices—and shows us why gratitude, responsibility, acceptance, and dependence are not clichés but practices that reshape the heart. We also tackle the most misused line in the passage—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—and set it back into its true frame: strength to endure what God assigns, humility to handle abundance, and courage to keep going when resources run low.You'll hear how Paul reframes a small gift as blooming care, why learning in Scripture always means applying, and how contentment draws from inner resources in Christ rather than external substitutes like income, status, or comfort. We share practical ways to translate knowledge into wisdom under pressure, resist comparison, and accept today's assignment without resentment. Along the way, an unforgettable story about David Livingston's “walking stick” becomes a vivid picture of what we've been given—not a tool from the King, but the King himself.If your heart keeps reaching for “one more thing,” this conversation offers a grounded path forward. Expect honest realism about suffering and joy, plus clear steps to practice: name present mercies, apply one truth today, accept where you are, and rely on Christ for the next faithful move. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs steady hope, and leave a review to help others find these messages.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Philippians 3:1–11. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. Browse other resources from Andrew M. Davis. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter
Sometimes it is all about perception. Our perspective, expectations, and focus shape what we perceive...or whether we will be deceived. As Jesus makes His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the crowd's views of what is taking place differ in His final week before the cross.BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 12:4-26 | ROMANS 12:1-2 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 | COLOSSIANS 3:2-3 | ROMANS 8:5 | 2 KINGS 6:15-17 | LUKE 21:8 | 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10 | 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 | GALATIANS 6:7 | JAMES 1:16-17 | JEREMIAH 17:9 | 2 TIMOTHY 3:13 | PSALM 118:26 | ZECHARIAH 9:9 | HEBREWS 13:8 | PHILIPPIANS 1:21 *Music tracks by Blue Dot Sessions titled “Glass Beads” and “Come As You Were” were featured in this episode
Who are the people in your life that have helped you along the way? When was the last time you thanked them for the help and impact they have had in your life? Take some time to thank them today as Tom Pounder shares. 00:00 - Introduction02:41 - Philippians 104:25 - Acts 2007:29 - ConclusionShare your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!
26 Ezekiel 23; 19 Psalms 106; 50 Philippians 2-3
Watch this episode and more from this series here: JenniferGRichmond.com What if anxiety does not get the last word? In this final chapter of Philippians we walk through a clear, biblical pathway for steady hearts in unsteady times: rejoicing in the Lord, practicing gentleness, praying with thanksgiving, guarding our minds, and learning the secret of contentment in Christ. If you have felt the mental spin cycle, this teaching gives you a simple, do-able rhythm for your week. We move from worry to prayer, from rumination to renewal, and from self-reliance to Christ-strength. You will leave with a plan you can start today. You'll learn how to: Pray when you feel anxious and actually experience God's peace Train your thought life with Philippians 4:8 Practice what you have learned so peace keeps returning Live content “in plenty and in want” through Christ's strength If your mind races at night or life feels a little unsteady, this closing session of Philippians 4 is a warm invitation to breathe. We walk through how prayer, thanksgiving, and the Word can steady your thoughts, guard your heart, and anchor your joy in Christ. Come as you are: tired, anxious, hopeful. Let's practice bringing everything to God, choose what to dwell on, and remember that the God of peace is with us — not as a lecture, but as a steady, loving presence in the everyday.
In our text this morning, Paul emphatically calls us to rejoice. This opens up a lot of questions. For example, can we rejoice on call like this? In other words, can we be commanded to rejoice? What if we are grieving? What if our health is failing? What if we have a loved one suffering? Can we rejoice regardless of what may be happening in our life? In this message, Pastor Rick Anderson discusses these questions from Paul's words in Philippians.
Ezekiel 21; Psalms 105; Ephesians 6; Philippians 1
In session eleven, we examine what godliness looks like in the thick of everyday life. As we live in a culture that pulls at our hearts, competes for our attention, and tempts us to drift away from the Lord, it's essential that we heed the warnings found in Scripture and pursue God above all else.Verses Used:1 Timothy 6:1-10Titus 2:9-10Titus 2:12 Timothy 3:16Philippians 4:10-12Discussion Questions:Why are we called to show honor to those we work for, and what are ways we can do that?How does Paul describe the content of the message and the character of those who put forth false doctrine, and what does false doctrine result in, according to 1 Timothy 6:3-5?What does 1 Timothy 6:6 say should accompany our godliness? Why is this quality sometimes hard to maintain, and how can we strive to lay hold of it?What is the result of those who want to get rich and have a love for money? How have you seen this to be true?Instead of treasuring earthly riches above all else, what should we treasure? What should the pursuit of our lives be?
Philippians: "Thanks for Salvation" 11/16/2025. This week our guest speaker talks about how to work out your salvation.
Brad Raby dives into where our allegiance should be as Christians: our one and only King, Jesus. In looking at Philippians 3:17-21, we explore how our allegiance to Christ affects our politics and how we stand in our modern climate.
The Daily Bible Reading Podcast is a production of Cokesbury Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Visit us online at cokesbury.tv.Today's reading is Philippians 4:4-7Subscribe to our Daily Bible Reading Emails at https://my.cokesbury.tv/OnlineReg/940Subscribe to our Weekly Sermons at https://cokesbury.tv/media
Press play on the cure for conflict
In this episode of Pray the Word on Philippians 1:9–11, David Platt challenges us to grow in love for one another.Explore more content from Radical.
Today, John explores the surprising timing of gratitude. When does gratitude matter the most? When something good happens? When life goes right? Scripture gives a very different answer.Drawing from Paul's words in Philippians 4 and 1 Thessalonians 5—and powerful reflections from Karl Barth, Kate Bowler, and the Psalms—John shows why the key moment for gratitude is right now, no matter your circumstances. Not because everything is good, but because God is God in this moment.You'll hear stories of protest, lament, trust, and hope… and you'll be invited into a brief practice of giving thanks for the small, often overlooked blessings of ordinary life. This one will encourage you and steady your soul. Welcome to Become New.
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" *Transcription Below* Hi, I'm Emily Johnson. I am a homeschool mama of two beautiful kiddos, married to my high school sweetheart, and the owner of Gracious Healing, a online nutritional practice that works with families to get to the root of their health issues with a holistic view and approach. I deeply love Jesus and pursue Him in all that I do, including health. After walking through decades of undiagnosed health issues, I was lead to the world of functional medicine and eventually into the holistic health world. After finding support for my body and that of my kids (who have been on their own health journeys) I was able to pursue further education and began working with clients on a 1:1 basis, to help them find the hope and health that I have found. Emily's Website Questions and Topics We Cover: Another topic of health is pursuing the opposite of isolation, which is relationships. What does friendship do to us, even at a hormonal or bio-physical level? Will you share all your wisdom on the topic of nutrition? What other health topics have we not yet covered that you want to mention as we get started? Thank You to Our Sponsor: Sam Leman Eureka Other Episodes Mentioned from The Savvy Sauce: 254 Raising Healthy Children with Dr. Charles Fay Additional Savvy Sauce Episodes Related to Healthy Living: 3. Being intentional with our health, finances, and relationships with business leader, writer, and speaker, Elizabeth Dixon 14. Simple Changes for Healthier Living with Chick-fil-A Wellness Experts, Vasu Thorpe and Leslie Sexton 23. Nurturing Friendships With Harvard Graduate, Jackie Coleman 25. Leadership Principles and Practices with Former NFL Player, J Leman 81. Sacred Rest with Doctor, Wife, Mother, and Author, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith 251. Wintering and Embracing Holy Hygge with Jamie Erickson 256. Gut Health, Allergies, Inflammation and Proactive Solutions with Emily Macleod-Wolfe 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.” *Transcription* Music: (0:00 – 0:09) Laura Dugger: (0:10 - 1:40) 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. The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today, over 55 years later, at Sam Leman Chevrolet Eureka. Owned and operated by the Burchie family, Sam Leman and Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at LemanGM.com. As I mentioned last time, my amazing guest, Emily Johnson, had so much goodness to share that we decided to split this episode into two parts, so I'm going to make sure that you first go back to part one before you listen to this episode today. But I'm looking forward now to continuing the chat about nutritional benefits and soul benefits and relational benefits in our health and the health in our children with my returning guest, Emily Johnson. Another topic that's health-related is pursuing the opposite of isolation, which is relationships. So, Emily, what does friendship do to us or do to our children, even at hormonal levels and biophysical levels? Emily Johnson: (1:40 - 8:39) Yeah, yeah. So, you know, when I was really, really, really sick, from a pretty young age on, and then I had kids really young, and so my kids had some health issues. I was sick. I felt so isolated, and I really, really, really was discouraged when people would speak about community. You have to be in community, right? And all the sermons and different things, books, these great books are like, you have to be in community, and I'm like, I don't know how to do that with where I'm at. I don't have, I barely have capacity, right, to like feed my children and like get out of bed most days. How in the world am I supposed to like go find community? And so, I think that, one, I always go back to, for those people who do struggle, and they are in a season where community is tough, right? I always, I love the saying, where the ideal lacks, grace abounds, and there's something beautiful that happens within that, right? So just to speak to that, because I feel like so many women I walk with have had seasons in their life, or whether it's health-related, or their kids, or just there, you know. Mom home with four young kids, and they just don't have capacity, or their single mom with four kids, and they're working full-time. Right, they just don't have great capacity for community. I always want to plug that reminder in that there are seasons, and God's grace always abounds beyond what is ideal. But then we take it too ideal, right? And we say, what does that actually look like? And we were made for community, right? We see all the fun videos of the little kids who are like the babies who were in the womb together, right? And you come out, and they're still like touching, right? We were made for connection. There's something really, really amazing that happens from a cellular level. When we are, when we are hugged, right, you see some of those neurosciences of like, you need to hug for six seconds a day, because it'll increase your endorphins, you know, and so there's this beautiful thing. There is, in certain science communities, there is a thing called biofield, right? And so it's kind of this idea that from six feet out from me in any direction, I kind of have this like space, like there's a spatial awareness that most of us have about six feet like outside of our bodies. And when you kind of like, you know, when you're like somebody walks up behind you, and you just know somebody's behind you, even though you haven't turned around or heard them necessarily, but there's just this awareness that they're there. And that is just, I think, so ingrained in who we are to be in community, because we actually have been created not for isolation, but we've been created even with this biofilm biofield idea that we actually get to when people are around us, right, there's an energy that happens, right? When my kid is sick, there's like this energy transfer that happens when my kiddo is sick, and their energy is low, their overall body is just depleted, right? When I hold them and touch them, there's actually can be like this cool transfer that happens from an electrical perspective that actually boosts them back up, right? Why do we hold babies skin on skin? Because there is that super, super crucial need for connection. One of my favorite studies I always refer to is a heart map study, where they took babies and mom, and they hooked mom and baby up to like heart monitors. They had mom just kind of like go through her natural day. Right, really smiley, happy, and they kind of watch baby match mom's heartbeat completely like in sync. And then they said, “Okay mom, like start running, like don't change your facial expression or your tone, but start running through all the like scary things that you have going on, right, and all the worries and fears and all the things.” And they watch mom's heart rate level start coming up, and then they watch baby's heart rate level start coming up, right? Like we were just designed from the womb to connect with people. Then they found those who they ran some studies on who had moms who were super depressed, right? They weren't in connection. They had whatever lives, whatever circumstances led to this, those kiddos didn't have the kind of intense one-on-one connection, maybe that another kid did. And just watching that those kids had a harder time empathizing and being around other people, right? So, like this idea that from the womb we were designed to be connected to one another, that there is something ingrained in our soul, right? That the Lord put there that deeply, we deeply want community, but beyond community we want to be known and seen and loved, right? And obviously the ultimate desire is to be known and seen and loved by God the Father, but at a lesser level like we have been created to see that in one another and champion one another and encourage one another, right? One of my favorite Bible stories is when Moses is holding his hands up, right? And as long as his arms are up, the Israelites are winning, but the minute his arm starts to fall, and then you know you have Aaron and her have to come lift his arms up, and he sits down and they're the ones holding his arms. And I just think that is such a picture of when we have this vision of what God's called us to, and kind of whether that be a mom or a specific vocation or a specific ministry, when we have been called as women to do that, but yet there's these seasons where we're like we're still trying really hard to do that, but I'm so wiped out and tired, right? You need those people around you who are going to go hold your arms up so that the battle doesn't break. The battle is not going to stop whether you drop your arms or not, it's still going to keep going. And so, when we look at that from just again, like a metabolic perspective, we see that heart rates come down, right? We see someone super, super anxious in isolation, they go into a community where they feel seen and known and loved, and their body comes into this beautiful, restful, parasympathetic state, right? I would say a caveat to that is a little bit of picking your community well, because I think that the opposite is true. You go into a community where everyone's naggy and negative and discouraging, and you will walk away feeling gross and weary and tired, right? And it doesn't necessarily... Good community is what again boosts your soul, but it actually... I had a client, it was my favorite story, is we were having a hard time getting her blood sugar stable, and we were kind of trying all these things, and then she went and hung out with her girlfriend, and she was super tired that day, it had been a really, really stressful week, goes and hangs out with her girlfriend outside, right? Letting the kids play at the park, and that's all she did. And her blood sugar, she took her blood sugar, and her blood came perfectly back into balance, right? And just, we need community for every metabolic process, honestly. Laura Dugger: (8:40 - 9:27) That is incredible, and it is such a powerful truth, because I'd love to also talk about handling, managing, minimizing stress, which is important, but I think the enemy, our enemy, Satan, wants to convince us that if you're stressed, just power through, whereas like you said, God's inviting us into community with Him and with others. He's created us to need both, and that that is even more important, that trumps the stress and may even help us diminish the stress. So, I know it's not helpful for us to hear, you just need to lower your stress in your life, but how can we actually do that, and why is it beneficial? Emily Johnson: (9:28 - 14:18) Yeah, so, we talked a little bit earlier about just kind of the idea of fight and flight, and I think one of the things that you see a lot in the world of holistic medicine is just looking at the nervous system. Because if I, everything that we're kind of bringing in is create, like our brains are always hyper vigilant and always looking at, is this safe? Is this not safe? So, you have somebody who is always stressed, always anxious, always running, running, running, running. Your brain is kind of almost starting to get primed to think everything is dangerous, everything is a lie, and everything I need to be afraid of, right? And so, when we're constantly in that place, you never really, you're sleeping, just because you go to sleep, people are like, I sleep six hours a night. I'm like, you're unconscious six hours of the night. Are you actually getting restored sleep? Or are you just running, running, running, and then you go to sleep. Yeah, you're unconscious, because your body's like, I'm exhausted, but is your mind actually calming down? Is your heart rate coming down, right? And so, when you look at the overall, every process of the body, there's so much that is related to nervous system, right? Your breath, like we're not thinking about our hearts beating right now, or our lungs opening and closing. But our nervous system is, right? Our nervous system is always assessing and communicating. And so, every sound we hear, every noise we come in contact with, every smell, light, right? All of it is having to be processed through that. And so, when you look at that, I would say there's a lot of stress in life that we can't control. We're always looking, it's kind of like, you know, going on a bear hunt when they're like, we can't go under it, we can't go over it, we have to go through it. There's a lot of stress in life. That we just have to plow through. I can't help my special needs kid, like I can't take that away, right? I can't help my marriage that's struggling. I can't necessarily run, I can't just like move around, you know, the financial struggles or whatever. I can't always control everything, but I often go back to, but what can we control? Because when we kind of get into a place where we understand, I can't heal or be functionally healthy if I don't feel safe. So, do I feel safe, right? And again, I can't control everything, but I often can sit with Jesus, and he will help me change the perspective of it. And so, when we look at how we, right, stress is going to put a huge burden on every organ system. Stress is going to put a huge burden on our adrenals. Most of us know that kind of specifically, but it's going to put a huge stress on our nervous system. And so, where we can minimize stress, where it is within our control is always the best place to start, right? Again, sometimes simple things like unplugging your Wi-Fi will limit your metabolic stress, eating protein, right? Eating good whole foods, not being dehydrated. Those are all things that are going to limit. Those are all most of the time within the stress that we can control, right? I can control being on my phone, which has crazy blue light. And then right before I go to bed, which is going to like create a whole issue with my circadian rhythm. Like I can control putting my phone away. I can control how I breathe and how I get outside. And so, minimizing stress, being in community with friends that are encouraging you and lifting you up, like those type of things are all things that we often can control at some level in order to help minimize that stress that way. Because the point I think of is the whole of health in general, right? We know 2 Corinthians chapter four is my favorite because it's like we're all wasting away and this body is going to waste away. So, what is the point of this, right? And the point of it, I believe, is resilience to some degree. Do we understand the processes of our body? Are we actively working to create some resilience? So, things don't knock us out, right? You have some people, they'll get real sick, or they'll get into a car accident or something. And it's not major from the world's perspective, but metabolically it is enough stress and trauma that their whole system shuts down. Right? Like the goal is that we are always renewing our spirit, but we're always working towards resiliency. And so, the more we can minimize stress, the better resiliency, every part of our body from a nervous system perspective, all the way down to a cellular perspective, it's going to function better and have more resiliency. So, when stress does come that we can't control, we can handle it better and not, it doesn't blow us over so quickly. Laura Dugger: (14:18 - 15:59) And now a brief message from our sponsor, Sam Leman Chevrolet Eureka has been owned and operated by the Burchie family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Steven's grandfather; Sam Leman opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago. If you visit their dealership today, though, you'll find that not everything has changed. They still operate their dealership like their grandfather did with honesty and integrity. Sam and Steven understand that you have many different choices in where you buy or service your vehicle. This is why they do everything they can to make the car buying process as easy and hassle free as possible. They are thankful for the many lasting friendships that began with a simple welcome to Sam Leman's. Their customers keep coming back because they experience something different. I've known Sam and Steven and their wives my entire life and I can vouch for their character and integrity, which makes it easy to highly recommend you check them out today. Your car buying process doesn't have to be something you dread. So, come see for yourself at Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka. Sam and Steven would love to see you, and they appreciate your business. Learn more at their website, LemanEureka.com or visit them on Facebook by searching for Sam Leman Eureka. You can also call them at 309-467-2351. Thanks for your sponsorship. Okay, Emily, everything you've said so far is gold. But there's a huge piece of our health, which is nutrition. And as we're training our children on healthy nutrition, I just love to hear all your wisdom on this topic. So, take it where you'd like. Emily Johnson: (16:00 - 24:16) Yeah, okay. Nutrition is part of my story, is actually nutrition was the thing that got me in the store that I write. I had so many crazy health things. I remember asking a doctor at one point, like, will, if I change my diet, will that help? And he was like, no, right? That's not going to help your seizures. That's not going to help your allergies. That's not going to help all the stress, right? And all the things that you have. And, which, by the way, right, to kind of go back to the stress thing, the amount of times that people who are really truly unhealthy are told it's just in your head, it's just stress, right? It's, it's crazy. So, I feel like there's that level of like, do what you can to deal with the stress, but also, you're not crazy. If something doesn't feel right, it's probably not right. And you're probably not just so stressed that right, there's a level that is true that we can control, but then sometimes it has nothing to do with what you're doing. Just a little snippet in there. Just because I think that can be so helpful for moms to hear sometimes it's okay. It's not all in your head, you're not making it up. But when we look at nutrition, when I started diving into it, I always joke that I was going to write a book that said like, it started with paleo, right? Because we dove into this world of paleo. And all of a sudden, all these symptoms that I had been told I was going to live with forever, all of a sudden started disappearing. And I was like, I don't need my inhaler anymore. I don't have seizures anymore. I'm sleeping better. I feel better. My puffiness is gone, like all because I changed my diet like this. Why in the world did no one tell me this sooner? Right? Which is crazy. So, when you look at again, nutrition, and we're saying what did God give us and all the different levels of nutrition, you can look at macronutrients. So, that's your protein, your carbohydrates and your fat. Those when we look at metabolic processes, those are like our big three that we want to get in every meal to kind of keep that fire burning, right? So, from a metabolic perspective, you want metabolism is so huge in hormones, metabolism is huge in our weight, and how we feel and just energy levels in general. And so, when you're getting good protein, good carbs, good healthy fats. And obviously, with all of these, right, there can be not so great proteins and not so great carbs, right? We're like, “Oh, I ate a cinnamon roll.” I'm like, well, not probably your best carbohydrate. But so, when I talk about these things, what I'm always meaning is God made food, right? God food that is in its closest to full nature, right? And obviously, we've altered food over the years. But to the best of our ability, what grows in the ground, what grows on the earth is what I'm talking about. I'm not necessarily processed food, even things like Siete chips, right? Those things are like, yes, their ingredients are better, but still processed, right? Crackers, I don't care if they're gluten free, they're still processed. And so, when we talk about this, we're talking about just whole food, God food, right? And so, it doesn't matter what you have doesn't matter, the health situations, you have kind of the background you're coming from, everyone can on a fundamental foundational level, look at their nutrition and say, food is the building block to my health. So, when I give again, we kind of talked a lot about nervous system and information, when I give the body good nutrition through what I'm eating, it is going to help every cell of the body right function and thrive. And when we're getting those good nutrients in, you're going to get all those you're looking at the big macros, but then we're looking at the micronutrients, you know, so, a lot of people talk about magnesium and calcium, right? And so, all those are, you know, selenium, vitamin D, right, not necessarily synthetic form, but in so many of our foods, these nutrients are in abundance when you eat whole foods, right. And so, I feel like for so many people one of the best things because food can also become this really, really, really scary topic. I always say if you want to tick somebody off, talk about their money and talk about what they're eating. Because everyone's like, now I'm mad. Now you're not my friend, right? How dare you talk about what I'm putting in my mouth. And I think there's a really interesting spiritual component to what we see all throughout Israelites, right? And just how they grumbled because their bellies were driving the train, right? Like God is literally giving them manna from heaven, his glory, like food, the angels food is on the ground. And they're like, I want to go back into captivity because they had leeks and watermelon, right? And it's like, this isn't a new thing. Food is really hard and can be really scary for people to talk about because we are really honestly controlled by our stomachs more than most of us would like to admit. And so, when we look at food in general and nutrition, and we're being really honest with ourselves, right? We don't want to be in a place of fear. That's I think the biggest thing with all the holistic space, just like this health realm is sometimes we trade like Western medicine for which we're afraid, like we're fearful and that like I, you know, we have to take antibiotics. We don't want to get, um, we don't want the strep throat to get out of control. But then we run to this holistic side and we're like, well, I don't want to take the antibiotics. I'm afraid my gut microbiome is going to be all mess. I'm like either side, you're still walking in fear. God's word tells us to not be afraid, right? This is the point of this is, is to empower us to make us stand in awe of our creator who made all of this in such abundance for our good. He created all of our bodies, right? He created every mechanism, every cell. So, of course he's going to give us the nutrition in the food that we eat in order to help support those natural functions of the body when we eat food that he's created. Right. And so, I say that with food because I think most people we can dive down, right? Some people do need very specific diets for short period of time to create better function in their body. Maybe they have an overgrowth of something and certain foods are not helping them kind of achieve that overall kind of thriving stability. But for most of us, my favorite thing when it comes to nutrition is to go back to Philippians chapter four, right? What is good? What is true? What is lovely? What is pure, right? And when we're focusing on that part of nutrition, we are just undone, right? How do you combat fear? You stand in awe. And when we can stand in awe of how God created an egg, right? Like we get to consume an egg, and an egg isn't just protein fat. It also is vitamin D and selenium, right? And all these other micro macro nutrients that we get to consume. And all of a sudden, right, we're taught to sit and pray and thank God for our food. And we're like, but what does that mean? We're just pausing and taking a deep breath, which is there is some really interesting health studies that have agreed with that, right? And they're like, you need to pause and breathe every time before you eat to better further digestion. But what are we actually doing? Are we teaching our children, like, look at this asparagus and this chicken breast that you get to eat? Do you understand how intentional our God is that he made this food with such nutrient packed availability for you to be able to function right within your body. So, when we look at every part of the body, every process of the body, we need good information, right? Good food to be able to come in to support that. And I think most people, when we use nutrition, you don't need your multivitamins, you don't need some of these things like food is fundamental. I always say supplements should be supplemental. They're supplemental, getting you where you need to go. But nutrition is the foundation, the building blocks the road, right? It's paving the way to health. Laura Dugger: (24:17 - 24:40) Okay, that is so well said. But then I'm even thinking, what are some examples of you've talked about the egg and the chicken and asparagus. So, will you share maybe we'll start here a way to get our kids involved. I know you've shared something that you do with the farmer's market. Can you tell us that story? And then maybe give a few ideas for healthy snacks or meals. Emily Johnson: (24:41 - 31:13) Yeah. And I do like Instagram, my website, I have I feel like I have lots of information. And honestly, maybe I could even share with you some of the handouts that I give and you could just put it in people are welcome to have them. Because I love getting kids involved. It depends on your kiddos age depends on how you want to approach this potentially, right. So, when my kids were super little, we all we did a lot of rainbows, like, are we eating the rainbow? And so, you know, we'd have like, I have a chart that we laminated. And you know, we'd be like, okay, here's your day how you know, maybe you get a sticker at the end of the day or something if you ate the rainbow. And so, that would be for younger kids. That's super fun. Sometimes for older kids, kind of that who need to say like, high school necessarily, but when they're kind of in the like, end of elementary, maybe junior high ish, depending on how they're wired, and depending on parenting skills, I will have some other ones that are like, if you eat protein, fat and carb, now you can have maybe another choice that you would like, right. So, for my daughter, that might look like you need protein carbs, you know, like, let's say you're going to have protein, which is, again, I have some great handouts that are like, here's kind of a chunk of protein, right. So, that might look like steak, eggs, or chicken, or ground beef, or, you know, bison patty, or we actually love Force of Nature, they make a really great ancestral blend. So, you're getting like liver, heart, all that stuff, and it's ground in ground beef. So, your kids don't necessarily know they're eating organ meats, but we'll do like little patties or something, right, keep it simple. I feel like some of the most challenging things with nutrition is people want to really overcomplicate it. And if you're just thinking protein, animal protein, you get one of those, right, you grab on to like, maybe it's like, okay, now you need some salad, which is going to be, you know, maybe some less of good carbs, because you're throwing in zucchini and cucumber, and you're making a green salad, you know, with a few nuts in it, you know, and drizzling some olive oil on it. homemade dressings, I think are probably the probably the most complicated thing that I get to, just because it's easier to leave out all the bad ingredients in homemade dressing. But there's some decent dressings out there, right? So, that's your fat. So, you do all that. And then I'm like, now, if you want, like, maybe we'll have little snacks around the house that might be like, some healthy chocolate versions, right? And it's like, now, if you want a treat, you can, but you have to eat protein, carb and fat first, right? That type of thing. So, there's different checklists, different things that you can do. We years ago, when my kids were super little, we actually started a list. And there, I think Dr. Walls is the one I originally got this from where she was like, you need to eat close to 300 different varieties within a year, right? Because, again, kind of thinking back before refrigeration, before we were able to cart food places, we would have eaten a variety based on what was local to you that was growing in this season. Rright, which meant we didn't eat the same thing every single week, we had a lot of variety, I think diversity within the diet is also so important. Again, I think it's a further down the road, right? So, if you're like just starting in this journey, just getting yourself to whole foods is a great place to start. If you're further along, the next thing we do is diversity, how many different foods. So, our goal one year was to get 300 different varieties, which doesn't sound like a lot until you actually start writing it down. We're like, cucumbers one. Okay, we eat a lot of cucumber, right? Okay, tomatoes. Okay, well, that's two, right. And then so, one of the things that we had done when they were little was, we would go to the farmer's market. And we would kind of think, our area and I think a lot of areas are really increasing in kind of this idea of farmers market's over the last few years, which is really cool. My kids were really little, we had one farmer's market, like, and so, we would go there once a week. They had to pick out one new vegetable or fruit that they had never tried before, whatever it looks like, right. And if they could get it on a color of the rainbow that was hard to consume, right, there's some colors of the rainbow, like purple, that's not always super easy to necessarily consume outside of grapes, you know, or any plant. And they're like, Okay, what other purple options are there. And so, if you could find purple cauliflower, right, then that was like, the best thing because you found a color and a new food, maybe that we hadn't tried. Purple potatoes, right, if you could try even if it was like a food that we already had tried, but it was a different color of that food, right carrots, different things like that, that you could have different varieties of color, then that would count as well. So, that was kind of one way that we and it's works outside of farmers markets are just going to the grocery store going to a different grocery store. And looking Is there anything in the produce section that we haven't tried before. It can be a good place start sometimes you have to like Google what in the world it is. How you write that was like our, we started off like I remember googling, how do you cut a mango, like I didn't even like I did not grow up eating this way. And so, everything was very new. I didn't know how to eat anything but iceberg lettuce or canned corn as a vegetable. And, you know, learning and so, again, bite sized pieces, right? Easy plus one, my kids do classical, we do a classical model for education. And I love one of the things they had done when they were little. In their writing was an idea of easy plus one. And I feel like this always applies to almost everything in life. But nutrition is one of those where I'm like, don't get overwhelmed. Because it took me and my family years to get to where we are. It wasn't like an overnight thing, right? It's been a 13-year journey for us, which sounds like a lot when you actually like look at what we eat. And you're like, it took us 13 years to change out things. And it's always evolving, because my kids are older. So, now they're aware of things they weren't aware of when they were little. But easy plus one, right? What do we already have, swap it out for something new. It doesn't have to be overwhelming. Laura Dugger: (31:15 - 33:12) I love that easy plus one. And I'm even thinking of all these fresh ideas of how I plan to incorporate this into our homeschool because some of our daughters are interested in going on with culinary arts, and they love being in the kitchen. So, I think that's a great way to involve them. By now, I hope you've checked out our updated website, thesavvysauce.com so that you can have access to all the additional freebies we are offering, including all of our previous articles, and all of our previous episodes, which now include transcriptions. You will be equipped to have your own practical chats for intentional living when you read all the recommended questions in the articles or gain insight from expert guests and past episodes as you read through the transcriptions. Because many people have shared with us that they want to take notes on previous episodes, or maybe their spouse prefers to read our conversations rather than listen to them or watch them now that we're offering video rather than just audio. So, we heard all of that. And we now have provided transcripts for all our episodes. Just visit thesavvysauce.com. All of this is conveniently located under the tab show notes on our website. Happy reading. But as you're talking about swaps, this is just kind of my personal journey this year. I feel like God doesn't always give me a word of the year. But this year, I felt like he gave the word nourish, and even added to that as the year went on, nourishing and flourishing. And food is a big piece of that. But also just tied in with all of this and helping our kids grow up in a healthy environment. What are some other product swaps that would be helpful for things that we're putting on our body, maybe makeup if they're older, or laundry detergent and different things like that. Emily Johnson: (33:13 - 36:27) Yeah, I would say we I always feel like my encouragement is to start with what goes on your body. Right, sometimes and again, there's always grace. So, sometimes it's like just stop burning the candle in your house. That's creating actually more toxins, it smells nice. So, anything that smells like fake fragrance is probably not going to be helpful to your system. But I would say that my next favorite is what are we putting on our body? So, that's shampoos, conditioner, deodorant, lotions, makeup, laundry detergent, right, anything that would be like touching our skin, then the next thing out of that would be, I think there's a lot of fascinating information that has surfaced the last five years of just the importance of undergarments and what it does to the endocrine system. When we're not, you know, putting natural fibers on our skin, we're putting all these synthetic fibers. So, again, it's not like you can financially most of us go out and swap out everything. And sometimes I still, like my girlfriend, I was just talking like, I kind of miss Tide. I miss the smell of Tide deodorant. Like I haven't used it for years. But I still like there's something like emotional pride just from childhood that like just feels clean. Even though I know right that it's not. But when you look at all these different chemicals on the body, so, again, when we talk about stress, when we talk about nourishing, right, anything extra that goes on your skin absorbs, right, we forget that it's the largest organ of our body. And it is absorbing all sorts of chemicals and endocrine disruptors, and creating more stress on our bodies, right, clogging our pores. When you think of that the lymphatic system, the lymphatic system is a huge system within the body that will push toxins around and help drain the body of kind of this overburden of toxic waste. And one of the biggest places, well, the biggest places for lymphatic movement is around your armpits, right? And what do we do, we put on deodorant, which actually then doesn't allow our arms to sweat and to get that toxin out. And the next part is around the groin. And it's like, okay, what are you putting around the groin? Are you putting synthetic fibers? Are you putting plastics? Are you putting things, toxins within your laundry detergent, right, that is then creating a disruption, right, the body's trying to release toxins. And now you're either not letting it sweat it out, or you're actually putting other chemicals in those places where it's going to absorb even more, and make that lymphatic system even more backed up. So, I would say, a home like cleaning supplies and candles and fragrances, those are all really important. But again, if we're starting with absolutely ground zero, I tend to go what's on your skin first, what's touching your skin, moving away from that stuff is super helpful. There's so many different apps, you know, I we started with, you know, the IW or the Oh, my goodness, I totally blanked on what that is called. The app. Oh, my goodness. Oh, well, it'll come back. Laura Dugger: (36:27 - 36:59) Maybe say more about I wonder if one that I've started with a girlfriend of mine, Rachel Allen, actually, her husband was a previous guest on The Savvy Sauce, Chris Allen, but she's very healthy and has been on this health journey for a while. And she showed me the Yuka app, the YUKA, which is great. It's she said, it's not perfect. It's just helpful. It doesn't tell you if there's seed oils in food. So, that's a bummer. But with products, if I am out shopping, and I scan a few, it'll tell which is a better option. Emily Johnson: (37:00 - 37:56) Yeah, so, that's a good one. IWD was the one that we originally started with, you know, 10 years ago. And so, that can be helpful when you just don't know, right? And you're in the store. And you're like, I always buy this, you know, and you kind of scan it and see what pops up. But that can be helpful. But I would say in general, again, looking at just reading ingredients, if you can understand the ingredients, and you're like, oh, this is beef tallow, and, you know, some essential oils, and baking soda, right? Like, that's probably okay, you know, versus the like, I don't know these ingredients. These are a long list of ingredients. And I have no idea how to even pronounce them. So, apps can be helpful. My preference is to encourage us as much as we can, right, to get away from electronics. And I think that sometimes it's hard when we're like, so, scanning apps can be helpful. But also, just reading ingredients can be helpful. Laura Dugger: (37:59 - 38:12) That's great. And again, just to kind of jumpstart us, do you have any favorite brands to recommend? Or even on your website? Is there a place where you talk about swaps that we can link to? Emily Johnson: (38:13 - 39:44) Yeah, so, on my website, and I'm constantly trying to update this, as best I can, because again, a lot of this started for me almost 13 years ago. And so, so much has changed in 13 years. So, I'm constantly trying to stay up with the new things, because we all know that anytime something becomes a buzzword, all of a sudden, all these companies jump out of the blue. We're in the world of the and are they good, you know, and so, being able to kind of, obviously, now, there's so much more happening so quickly. So, on my website, I have a blog post that's just like getting started. And that I just keep trying to add to it. I find books or information or podcasts that I think are helpful in this realm. It kind of breaks it down. Do you want to read a book? Do you want to listen to a podcast? Do you want to me and some of my girlfriends did like a whole series on different parts of the body and just different things. And like, that's all links there. So, just whether you want to watch something, read something, listen to something, there's lots of information there. And then on my website, I have lots of different like my favorite things. And those are just some of my favorite products. There's great products out there just because it's on not on there doesn't mean it's not great. But there's a lot of products that I really used to love, and that they don't make the products either the same that they used to or they have disbanded over the years, right. And so, just because it's not on there doesn't mean it's still a lot of great products. But I try to update that if I find something I really love, I will try to update those two spots on my website. Laura Dugger: (39:45 - 39:56) Well, definitely want to link to that in the show notes. But can you give us your website name and just tell more about in general all the work that you do and what you have to offer if we want to follow up after this conversation? Emily Johnson: (39:56 - 41:56) Yeah, so, my website is mygracioushealing.com. Between my website, I have an email list. But then I also do a lot on social media, Instagram specifically. So, my handle over there is gracious.healing. Try just to give lots of tips and lots of trying to reclaim some of that social media space to let it be more encouraging and not fear based. But hopefully, try to kind of clue people in on just things that I'm learning and things I see in my clients. I do have a one-on-one practice called gracious healing. And it is we just work bio individual with, I started off with children, and then I've obviously moved to moms. And now I'm kind of treating most whole families. But I love working with families just because it's sometimes easier because you already know so much history and everything. But our goal in doing one-on-one nutrition clients is we're looking at lifestyle history, symptoms, we're looking at personality, we're looking at all the ways God created you, and where is their dysfunction on labs? Or, again, we're not thriving, right? Someone might be tired, but what does that mean? Is it a soul issue, a heart issue, a mental issue? Is it you're not getting enough rest? Do you need more nutrition, that kind of stuff. So, we look at all of that, and really holistically, and then we break down a road plan, how are we going to get you there, you're in the driver's seat, I'm just trying to help you navigate what nutrition might you need, what kind of steps might you need, in terms of supplementation, diet recommendations, lifestyle pieces. And we kind of address all of that with kind of a game plan of follow ups and what that looks like. My goal is for people to not need me forever. So, our goal is to help as much as clients want to be discipled and learn all of this, so that then they can get to where they feel they're truly thriving, and then they can run off into the world that God has for them. Laura Dugger: (41:56 - 42:24) I love that. Thank you for sharing that. And I will definitely link to that in the show notes. And I just have a couple more questions for you, because I want to make sure, even as you talk about meeting with your clients, and it's very bio individual. So, maybe there's not an answer to this. But is there anything in general, any other health principles or even supplements that you do see, generally speaking, this would be beneficial to everyone? Anything that we haven't covered yet? Emily Johnson: (42:25 - 45:21) Yeah, so, I'd say at this point, the only two supplement companies that I feel like can be pretty helpful for most people. One is called Core Formulas. They are just kind of basic, like nothing they're doing is crazy detox, nothing they're doing is like killing anything. They're just really supporting the body from a nutritional standpoint. So, you're thinking drainage, gut support, and vitamin support. So, they're pretty basic companies, like most people kind of look on their website, determine if that's something that would be helpful for them. And then the other one would be body bio. So, BodyBio is a great company that focuses specifically on cellular health. And so, you're going to have electrolytes, you're going to have some good kind of fatty acids, right? When we look at the cell, we need four to one omega six to omega three, a lot of us focus on omega three, because they're just aren't great sources for omega six. And so, they make some really great companies that really look at the cellular level, the mitochondria level, being able their products are really based on that you're not going to have again, crazy detox supplements. So, most people can tolerate at least to a small degree, I always say it's individual, you should always kind of look at who you are, what you have, what your goals are. Because again, sometimes I think we hear things and we're like, oh, this is the roadmap, I need to detox, I need to liver do a liver blast, I need to do all these things. And that may not be true, right. And so, the ability in this day and age to just be able to chew and spit right, like what information is helpful, spit out what's not, and then maybe tuck away in my brain what might be helpful down the road. Yeah, I think that those companies are the only companies I ever feel confident being like, most people would benefit from kind of playing around with those products. Yep, I don't think I think everything we talked about just feels super fundamental and foundational. I think encouraging people to really know where they're not thriving and to be really honest and raw with themselves as to what they are, what God has for them and where they're maybe not stewarding or operating fully right with the knowledge they have in those places. I think can be really helpful. It's kind of like going on a trip without a destination, right? Like you're just kind of wandering. And I feel like this stuff is so beautiful and so wonderful to incorporate in our lives. But if we don't actually have a picture of what we're trying to achieve in the process, I feel like we kind of just get tossed around. And so, while this stuff is all wonderful and the nutrition and focusing on I think if we don't really know where we're trying to go with it, then it can just get really muddied. Laura Dugger: (45:22 - 46:11) I think that's so good to talk about purpose and be aware. And I love this conversation how you've incorporated for us as the parent, but also for our children. And I will link to one other episode as well with Dr. Charles Fay, where he talks about raising emotionally healthy and mentally healthy children. He wrote a book with Dr. Amen. And in the episode, he just talked about instilling purpose in our children and talking about that, because God does have a purpose for them as well. And so, I love how you're bringing all of this back as you've done so well shining your faith throughout this conversation. But Emily, you know, we are called The Savvy Sauce, because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce? Emily Johnson: (46:13 - 46:57) Yeah, you I knew this question was coming. And honestly, I was like, how do I pick just one? So, I think this is what I'm going to say. Discipline equals freedom. And I have just found for me that kind of that savvy sauce, and it may change that discipline may change over a period of time. But if I can get real honest with what I need to be disciplined in in the moment, it gives me so much freedom for the rest of my day. And so, being disciplined it used to feel constraining. And now it actually feels like, I don't have to think about right. Decision fatigue is a real thing. And so, if I can just be disciplined, there's so much freedom that happens in my day with that. Laura Dugger: (46:57 - 47:32) Wow, I love that so much. And I love how self-control I think of self-discipline as a fruit of the spirit. And that's what I've experienced. You've cultivated that fruit in your life. And we've gotten to experience the good sweet fruit in this conversation and the abundant life that you're living in the overflow. So, thank you for walking this journey while stewarding all of this well and sharing so generously with each of us. You are just a delight to spend time with. So, thank you for being my guest. Emily Johnson: (47:32 - 47:35) Yes, thank you. Oh my goodness, such kind words. Laura Dugger: (47:36 – 51:19) 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's 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. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “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.” So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him. And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started. First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you. We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged. 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.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today. And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.