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From Restless to Rooted: Joshua Williams on Calling, Repentance, and a Faith That Endures.What happens when the map you drew for your life no longer fits the road God is actually giving you? In this continuation of our conversation with Joshua Williams, we trace a candid journey through disappointment, redirection, and the quiet practices that turn belief into a way of life. This isn't highlight-reel faith; it's the daily, hidden work of following Jesus when the feelings fade and the next step isn't obvious.In this episode you'll hear about:Calling vs. career: how God reshapes ambition into service and steadies the heart when doors close.Repentance as renewal: not shame, but the rhythm that keeps love honest and hope alive.Prayer that holds in storms: learning to pray Scripture when words run out.Community and accountability: why “just me and Jesus” isn't enough when you're tired, tempted, or unsure.Sacrament and Scripture together: how worship and the Word form a faith that lasts beyond trends.Suffering without cynicism: carrying grief to Christ and finding courage to begin again.Why listen: If you're in a season of waiting, change, or quiet rebuilding, Joshua's story offers both clarity and comfort—practical ways to keep moving with Jesus when you're short on answers but rich in questions.If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs steadying grace, and leave a quick review with the one practice—prayer, repentance, or community—you're committing to this week.**********What if the road to Jesus runs through a guru? We sit down with Joshua to trace his unlikely path from a Romanian “enlightenment” school to Orthodox Christianity, and we ask the questions seekers rarely say aloud: Do mystical experiences prove truth, or do they force us to ask which spirit we're listening to?Joshua describes leaving the U.S. to “throw himself into the arms of the universe,” clinging to ideas like reincarnation and religious unity while resisting the moral claims of Christ. Inside a syncretic school that blended Hindu and Buddhist concepts, he encountered a compelling teacher, apparent clairvoyance, and a vision of reality where Brahman reigns as impersonal essence. That promise of unity felt expansive—until it demanded he treat personhood, love, and moral responsibility as illusions. We contrast that with the Orthodox claim that God is personal and tri-personal: the Trinity as eternal communion, love that exists before creation, and a God who is everywhere present yet distinct from creation. Rather than absorbing us into a faceless One, God calls us by name and invites real relationship.Across the conversation, we map the turning points: irritation at the name of Jesus giving way to self-awareness, recognition of authentic Christian witness, and a rethinking of “science versus faith” that leaves shallow slogans behind. We explore discernment of spirits, why power isn't proof, and how an impersonal metaphysics drifts toward quiet nihilism. Then we look at the Orthodox vision of personhood that grounds meaning: if we're made in God's image, our capacity for love is not a cosmic trick—it's the point.If you've chased enlightenment and still long for a face behind the light, this story will meet you where you are. Listen, share with a friend who's wrestling with pantheism or syncretism, and leave a review to help others find the show. Subscribe for more conversations that take faith, reason, and experience seriously.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, XPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!
Do you believe peace is possible when chaos is everywhere? Are you caught in the exhaustion of trying to control everything, leading to spiritual drift and burnout? In this episode, we reveal that peace is not a reward; it is a spiritual choice that results in stability. I had a chat with Rev. Dr. A'Shellarien Addison, the first woman Chaplain in the 240-year history of the Delaware Army National Guard, a spiritual clinical trauma-informed practitioner, and author. Dr. Addison shares her personal journey of nearly losing her peace while juggling high-pressure leadership and family life. She identifies the universal test: the constant pressure to be "productive" instead of purposeful. She reveals the transformative, God-given three-step strategy she uses to navigate crisis with clarity: Pause, Pray, Plan. This framework is a simple, actionable path to moving from reactive decisions to divine direction. Learn how spiritual disciplines like the PAUSE and PRAYER literally rewire your brain for resilience and peace, helping you become a source of clarity and strength for others. Dr. Addison breaks down the neuroscience of faith and provides the practical tools you need. In this episode, you will go deeper into her simple 3-step method to: PAUSE: Create sacred space to think about what you are thinking about. PRAY: Move from panic to prayer as your first, not last, response. PLAN: Act with God's wisdom rather than human desperation. Your choice today is simple: panic is reaction undirected; pause is purpose directed. Choose the pause. Your true peace is waiting on the other side of intentional surrender. Be sure to check out Dr Addison's book: Unbothered On Purpose: Pause, Pray, Plan. Here is an affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4qHKr0t (I do receive a small percentage if you buy from my exact link) Topics covered: Pause Pray Plan, Finding True Peace, Spiritual Practices to Rewire Brain, Faith-Based Mental Health, Overcoming Burnout, Living Purposefully, Spiritual Discipline, Rev Dr A'Shellarien Addison, Christian Leadership, Anxiety and Chaos, overcome burnout, overcome perfectionism.
On this episode, we talk about prayer, mediation, and some other things. Prayer and mediation-- what are those? Is meditation something Christians do? Does my prayer life need to be ceremonial and routine? What does it mean to pray without ceasing? We answer those questions and more on this episode of Coffee With Friends. #Pray #Praysomemore #MeditationIsntHumming
Have you ever unleashed a furious torrent of words in an argument, only to be crushed by regret the next morning? That spiritual hangover is a sign that we've used the wrong weapon. In this episode, Vianca Joy continues her series on language by exploring the other side of the coin: the power of holy silence.This is not about becoming a doormat. This is spiritual warfare. We will uncover how that desire to deliver a cutting remark is often a script from the devil himself, designed to destroy relationships. We will look to Christ, our perfect example, who remained silent before His accusers in an astounding act of trust and strength.Learn the crucial difference between the sinful silent treatment and powerful holy silence. Discover practical ways to implement this discipline, from resisting gossip to navigating foolish arguments, all while understanding when speaking up is an act of love. This episode will challenge you to put down the world's weapons and pick up the heavenly weapon of trust, transforming your relationships and your walk with God.
In this episode of Uncommon Sense, I'm discussing my changing views on Israel, Donald Trump, and Candace Owens and why principles grounded in Scripture must always matter more than personalities.I'll discuss how easy it is to get swept up in political figures, influencers, and movements… all while forgetting that God alone is who we should be following. The devil is just like a stalker prowling around, watching, scheming, seeking someone to devour. And in these chaotic times, he's using deception, manipulation, and emotional brainwashing to pull people into confusion and ultimately into Hell.In this episode, we're talking about how the synagogue of Satan is operating openly today, pushing narratives meant to distract and divide. I am urging my listeners to stay anchored in the Word, remain spiritually alert, and refuse to be seduced by personalities, platforms, or “conservative celebrities” who very well may not be aligned with God's truth.Ultimately, we all need to return to the Bible (now more than ever) and to guard our minds and souls as the days grow darker and darker.--https://www.bible.com/
Join us as Pastor Roger looks at works vs faith and asks the question: What really lasts? Works are the things we do but fruit is what God does through us. We're not called to simply serve but to live out the life of a servant. -Featuring Roger Hirth
In this stirring and deeply encouraging Advent message, Pastor Karl continues the series The King Has Come with a raw and life-giving exploration of the second great gift Jesus brings: peace.Turning to the familiar yet profound scene in Luke 2:8–20, Pastor Karl invites us into the midnight terror of ordinary shepherds—suddenly confronted by the blinding glory of God—and shows how the very first words from heaven that night were not “Merry Christmas,” but “Fear not.” That first Christmas did not begin with sentimental calm; it began with paralyzing, mega-fear. And right there, in the middle of stacked-on-stacked fear, the angel announced good news of great joy: a Savior has been born who is Christ the Lord, the Prince of Peace.With pastoral tenderness and unflinching honesty, Pastor Karl unmasks fear as the mortal enemy of peace—how it magnifies threats, shrinks our view of God, and paints our future in colors darker than God ever intended. Yet the gospel is stronger: peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of a Person. Peace is not something Jesus gives; peace is who Jesus is—and He gives Himself.Through the shepherds' journey from terror to testimony, we're given clear, scriptural paths out of fear and into the unshakable peace of Christ: speaking God's truth over fear's lies, refusing to agree with the spirit of fear, drawing near to Jesus through spiritual disciplines, and taking bold steps of obedience that move us against comfort and toward surrender.This is a word for everyone whose heart has been ruled by anxiety, worst-case scenarios, or the quiet fears that steal joy—especially in this season. A tender yet urgent call to stop trusting the unknown future to our own control and start trusting it to the known God who entered our fear as a baby in a manger.Because the King has come, fear does not get the final word. Peace does. And when the Prince of Peace takes over a life, what spills out is no longer fear—but praise, testimony, and unshakable confidence in the goodness of God.Essential listening for anyone who longs to trade fear for the peace that passes all understanding this Christmas.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm
SummaryIn this episode of the Text-Driven Podcast, Timothy Pigg and Carter Jurkovich discuss the challenges and implications of the digital church. They explore themes of accountability, anonymity, and the impact of digital spaces on spiritual discipline. The conversation emphasizes the importance of in-person community and the dangers of a consumer mentality in worship. The hosts argue for a return to genuine, face-to-face discipleship and the need for churches to provide real truth in a world filled with illusions.TakeawaysDigital church often leads to a loss of accountability.Participants in digital church are more like spectators than active members.Anonymity in digital spaces can fuel sin struggles and double lives.True community requires physical presence and engagement.Spiritual discipline is challenged by the digital age's short attention spans.Pastors struggle to shepherd anonymous online congregants effectively.Digital interactions lack the depth of in-person connections.The illusion of community in digital church is detrimental to spiritual growth.Real truth is needed to address real problems in the church.Face-to-face discipleship is essential for genuine faith development.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Text-Driven Podcast04:16 The Digital Church: Accountability and Participation12:01 Anonymity and the Loss of Shepherding20:06 Spiritual Discipline in the Digital Age
Stop carrying the crushing weight of spiritual "shoulds" and discover how a Rule of Life creates a trellis of grace for your soul.
Stop carrying the crushing weight of spiritual "shoulds" and discover how a Rule of Life creates a trellis of grace for your soul.
Stop carrying the crushing weight of spiritual "shoulds" and discover how a Rule of Life creates a trellis of grace for your soul.
In this episode, we expose a silent sin that is quietly weakening Christians from the inside out. Many believers overlook this area completely, yet Scripture warns us repeatedly about it. Gluttony, sloth, complacency, and lack of discipline are destroying the spiritual strength of countless Christians — and almost no one talks about it.Mallory and I break down what the Bible actually says, why this sin goes unnoticed, and how believers can defeat it through repentance, discipline, and walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).If you've ever felt spiritually dull, unmotivated, or stuck in cycles of comfort, this episode will help you see what's really going on — and how to overcome it through Christ.✝️ COACHING WITH DAVID! https://imdavidhammond.com✝️ COACHING WITH MALLORY! https://biblicallyfeminine.com
Pastor Bryan continued our series looking at the spiritual discipline of submission. The world has a twisted, perverted view of submission. The reality is, “Submission is the voluntary surrender of our will, out of love for God and others, modeled perfectly in Jesus Christ.” -Featuring Bryan Ost
Welcome to the “Wrap Party” where we dive a little deeper into Sunday's message. Tune in as we discuss the sermon. -Featuring Pastor Bryan
Love Your People Well™ - Christian Marriage, Motherhood, and Family Life
Find a Christ-centered Christmas devotional or Advent calendar here. Episode 278 // Gratitude is more than just a feeling in our heart or something that happens naturally as we smile more often. If we are truly going to be thankful people even on the hard, stressful, chaotic days… well, this is when we really see that gratitude is a spiritual discipline. So today, I want to share 7 steps that walk us closer and closer toward the ultimate goal living everyday life with our hearts centered in Christ-centered gratitude. These are spiritual “action steps” - which means, we cannot do it in our own strength. We need the Lord's help. As Christians, the Holy Spirit lives in us. He delights to help us honor Jesus more by crushing our grumbling spirit and growing in gratitude! This is not a checklist, friends. This is a spiritual journey, like every other worthwhile journey in life. Join me to look at these 7 steps of spiritual discipline, so we can grow in gratitude together. Welcome to Part 5 of our series on Gratitude Over Grumbling. Let's dive in. hugs & blessings, Jess RESOURCES FOR YOU FREE: Build a habit of Bible time and prayer with my free Holy Habits 45-day Bible and Prayer Challenge. DEVOTIONAL: Find a Christmas devotional or Advent calendar for yourself, and the whole family. RELATED ON THE PODCAST: Spiritual Action Steps To Help You Stand Firm, Feel Better, And Manage Emotions Well (EP 241) RELATED ON THE BLOG: 7 Christmas Scriptures To Teach Your Kids GET MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW Support the show on Patreon for just a few dollars a month, and grab access to behind-the-scenes family life encouragement. Please leave a 5-star review and share the link to this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today! FIND EXACTLY THE RESOURCE YOU NEED: Faith | Marriage | Parenting | Emotions | Communication | Home & Family | Freebies | Devotionals | Blog | Pinterest DISCLAIMERS I am a licensed therapist in South Carolina, but this podcast is not therapy. I may use affiliate links and earn a small commission if you purchase through my links. Read my full disclaimers here. MISSION Love Your People Well is all about helping you ENJOY family life as you build healthy, happy, and holy family relationships. Keep Jesus at the center of it all and joy at the center of your days. Find your resources, devotionals, and more support at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com
Dr Adam Koontz and Col Willie Grills talk about disciplining the self, training in righteousness, and studying the Scriptures. Visit our website - A Brief History of Power Sign up for Memento, a Lutheran devotional for men. Thanks to our sponsor, Gnesio Health Dr Adam Koontz - Redeemer Lutheran Church Pr. Willie Grills - Zion Lutheran Church Music thanks to Verny
What do your everyday habits—your screen time, your schedule, your workload—have to do with your spiritual life?In this two-part conversation, Jonathan sits down with Justin Whitmel Earley author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, and his newest book, The Body Teaches the Soul. In Part 1, Justin shares how a season of crippling anxiety and mental collapse as a young lawyer forced him to reconsider everything he thought he knew about discipleship, the body, and the habits that quietly shape our lives.Justin tells the story of moving from missionary work in China to corporate law in the United States and how, even with solid theology and a half-finished seminary degree, he found himself preaching a gospel of peace while his body was a wreck of anxiety. That crisis became the doorway into discovering how God uses ordinary, physical habits to form us spiritually.Together, Jonathan and Justin explore why what you repeatedly do, often without thinking, matters more than you realize, and how the “liturgies” of our phones, work lives, and cultural moment either draw us toward Christ or away from Him.About Justin Whitmel EarleyJustin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, speaker, and author whose work focuses on how habits and disciplines shape our spiritual, emotional, and relational lives. He is the author of:The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of DistractionHabits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family RhythmsThe Body Teaches the Soul: How Your Physical Life Shapes Your Spiritual LifeJustin lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife and four sons.Giving Tuesday with Leading The WayIf Candid Conversations has encouraged your faith or helped you think more deeply about following Jesus in today's world, would you prayerfully consider supporting Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef this Giving Tuesday?Candid is a ministry of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a listener-supported ministry, and your generosity helps us bring Gospel-centered Bible teaching, discipleship resources, and outreach to people around the world.This Giving Tuesday, your gift can make an even greater impact.To partner with us, visit: ltw.org/donate
If you have been around a local church-- or around the three of us-- then you have likely been encouraged to read your Bible. What does that look like? What does it accomplish? How do you pull it off? Is it easy to read or hard to read? We talk about all that and more on this episode. #ESV #JohnsAHeretic (0:00-5:40) Intro and Christmas Chatter (5:45-13:41) Biblical foundations (why read the Bible?) (13:45- 24:59) What our daily routines look like (25:00-32:00) How to get started reading the Bible (32:01-38:00) Bible Translations (38:01-End) Other Bible intake methods and more conversation
What if the thing blocking your next level isn't a lack of grind… but a lack of rest? In this message, Dr. Eric Thomas unpacks God's strategy for a factory reset — not to punish you, but to restore you deeply so He can use you greatly. Drawing from Jeremiah 29:11 and Jesus' own rhythm of withdrawing to rest, ET shows why heaven is calling you to stop worshiping hustle and start honoring rest as a spiritual strategy. You'll hear: - Why God told ET to separate accounts and start preparing at the end of the year for the next year - How a strategy coach put him on “idea punishment” and unlocked a new level of impact - Why Matthew 11:28–30 reveals rest as a pillar of success, not a reward after success - How Jesus often withdrew (Luke 5:16) and what that means for your schedule, your ministry, and your family Why this season at APOC is a factory reset: reset, rest, refresh, restore This isn't about laziness. It's about alignment. Before God uses you greatly, He restores you deeply. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - God Has Plans for You 01:15 - Eric's Financial Journey 04:05 - Importance of Timely Messages 10:25 - Rest as a Strategy 13:15 - Factory Reset Concept 17:49 - Come Away and Rest 20:40 - Spiritual Discipline of Rest 21:00 - Jesus' Practice of Withdrawal 22:10 - Factory Reset Overview 27:23 - Benefits of Rest 31:15 - Significance of Rest 34:34 - Divine Reset Explained 39:50 - Eric Thomas: Lifetime Achievement Award 42:16 - Next Steps for Growth
Mark Mathia explains why spiritual disciplines matter for modern leaders and how they boost performance, sustainability, and authentic influence. He outlines three pillars—presence, purpose, and peace—and connects them to practical coaching methods. The episode shares simple practices (a leadership Sabbath, decision prayer, and gratitude rituals) and real-world results for leaders seeking deeper resilience and better team outcomes.
Kyle Worley is joined by Don Whitney to answer the question, “How important is the local church and the Christian community to the journey of becoming more like Christ?”Questions Covered in This Episode:How important is the local church and the Christian community to the journey of becoming more like Christ?Helpful Definitions:Spiritual Disciplines: Practices found in the Bible by which we experience God and grow in Christlikeness.Fellowship: Koinónia (κοινωνία)Guest Bio:Don Whitney is the Professor of Biblical Spirituality and the John H. Powell Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; a D.Min., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; and a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of the Free State, South Africa. He has authored several books, including but not limited to: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life and Praying the Bible. Dr. Whitney also serves as the founder and president of The Center for Biblical Spirituality. Don lives with his wife Caffy in Kansas City, Missouri. The Whitneys have a married daughter, Laurelen, and five grandchildren.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Luke 4“Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” by Donald S Whitney Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcast:Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Chuck Swindoll once wrote:“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends!In this episode, James and I talk all about the lost practice of Scripture Memorization and the benefits it has for the Christian life. We also discuss a very simple and practical system for how to begin a lifetime of memorizing the Bible and retaining what you've memorized!Psalm 119:11 - "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..."Charles Spurgeon - "The Bible in the memory is better than the Bible in the book case"
Continuing our series looking at certain spiritual disciplines, Pastor Adam looked at 1 Kings 19 to the account of Elijah hearing the gentle whisper of God as he experienced solitude while on the run from Jezebel. Among other things, we learn that God provides for our needs and brings correction and direction. So, let's take steps toward inner solitude, putting into practice this discipline and following Pastor Adam's encouragement. -Featuring Adam Sexton
Welcome to the “Wrap Party” where we dive a little deeper into Sunday's message. Tune in as we discuss the sermon. -Featuring Pastor Adam
Welcome to Orrville Christian Church!Chapter Timecodes & Key Points:0:00 – Introduction & Holiday Context – Discusses Christmas services, preparing homes, and the metaphor of a cluttered garage representing spiritual life.1:53 – Spiritual Clutter – Distractions, neglected priorities, and unattended sins slowly creep in, affecting our relationship with God.3:37 – Malachi 3 Overview – Encourages honest reflection on self-deception and drifting spiritually; God calls for a return to Him.4:09 – The Three C's of Malachi 3 – Constant: God's unchanging character and people's unfaithfulness.7:20 – Confrontation – God challenges Israel on tithes and offerings; the principle of returning to God through giving.9:37 – The Challenge – Practical teaching on tithing: first fruits, Levitical tithe, festival tithe, and poor tithe.15:06 – Trust & Obedience – God calls for trust in adverse conditions; returning the whole tithe demonstrates faith.16:07 – Biblical Principle of First Fruits – Proverbs 3:9-10 emphasizes honoring God with the first and best of finances.18:09 – Practical Illustration with Apples – Visualizing financial stewardship and prioritizing giving back to God.21:46 – Practical Takeaways – Enroll in Financial Peace University, start a 90-day tithing challenge, and grow in generosity.26:22 – Closing & Prayer – Encouragement to put God first, live for His mission, and give with faith and joy.Scripture References:Malachi 3:6-12Exodus 3:14Proverbs 3:9-10 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------We're so glad you're here! Visit us online at www.orrville.church Or connect with us on:• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orrvillechristian.church/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orrvillechristian/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@orrvillechristianchurch5959 If you'd like to partner with us in giving, you can give online here: https://www.occgive.com/ As our guest, please feel no pressure to give—this is for those who call OCC home. Let us know you're listening! Fill out a Connection Card: https://www.orrville.church/connect We'd love to meet you in person! Join us any Sunday at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 AM
Send us a text We've turned the simple invitation of Jesus—“Come, follow me”—into a crowded checklist of programs, expectations, and spiritual pressure. In this episode, we explore how Christianity got so complicated, why so many believers are exhausted, and how to return to the simple, beautiful center: living our actual lives with God, for the sake of others, in the way of Jesus. Support the show If you have any questions about the subjects covered in today's episode you can find us on Facebook at the links below or you can shoot me an email at joe@buddywalkwithjesus.com One Stop Shop for all the links Linktr.ee/happydeamedia
Welcome to the “Wrap Party” where we dive a little deeper into Sunday's message. Tune in as we discuss the sermon. -Featuring Pastor Loïs
As we begin our new series, Pastor Loïs looks at the first Spiritual Discipline of Simplicity. In his message, he looks at Matthew 6:19-33 where Jesus discusses the danger of any attempt of pursuing both God and money. Based on this, Pastor Loïs encourages us to ask “Which treasure?,” “Which vision?,” and “Which master?” directs our hearts. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (v. 21) The divine solution to the human problem of duplicity is simplicity. Let's "practice saying no to something material for the sake of increasing contentment in God." -Featuring Loïs Renaud
In a brand new episode of The Grove Podcast, Shelley Giglio is joined by the brilliant and bold Jackie Hill Perry for a conversation about faith, formation, and the unexpected places God does His deepest work.Together, Shelley and Jackie unpack the wrestle with ambition, the gift of hidden seasons, and how God often meets us in our lack to show us that He alone is enough.They explore the importance of spiritual disciplines — not as rigid rules but as pathways to freedom, relationship, and fruitfulness. And they encourage us to believe that God really does use every part of our story to make us more like Jesus.Wherever you are — leading, waiting, hoping, or trying your best to believe — it's our prayer that this conversation will lift your eyes to His presence and His power at work in your life.The Grove is an extension of all God is doing at Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia. To learn more, follow us on Instagram @pcc_thegrove or visit thegroveonline.com to get connected. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today we're trashing feminism some more, because it obviously deserves it. Feminism is not only unbiblical, it's extremely destructive for all of society. We'll talk about why Christian podcasters like Allie Beth Stuckey shouldn't defend their feminism while claiming to follow Christ, and why Christianity itself is a patriarchy, by God's design. It's time for biblical men to stop waiting for permission from feminists and take back the authority God gave them. We'll also discuss more of the Trump administration's mistakes, including this ridiculous new 50-year mortgage idea that proves how far from wisdom our leaders have fallen.
In this episode, Samuel Goulet explores the foundational role of solitude and silence in prayer, emphasizing that true intimacy with God begins when we separate ourselves from distractions and embrace stillness. Drawing on biblical examples and teachings, Samuel discusses the challenges of being alone with God, such as anxiety and restlessness, and encourages listeners to build a regular practice of quiet time with God. He offers practical advice for scheduling solitude, highlighting how spiritual growth unfolds as we consistently seek God in the secret place, ultimately calling listeners to cultivate spiritual maturity by knowing God personally and pressing on even when it feels awkward or difficult. [ivoox.com]
We live in a world that tells us to hold tight—to protect, collect, and consume. But Jesus invites us into a bigger story. Beyond Me is a series about discovering the freedom, joy, and purpose that comes when we choose a life poured out. When we stop trying to own everything and instead steward what God has given us, our lives begin to make a lasting impact. This isn't about losing—it's about gaining a life that truly matters.
11/06/2025 - Matthew Bingham -on an approach to spiritual disciplines that is historic and deep
Spiritual Formation takes two forms -- intentional and unintentional. In this episode we examine the realities of each and chart a path to follow the call of God to "be transformed."
In a world of constant noise and digital distraction, how can we cultivate a spiritual life that feels alive rather than depleted? Pastor Dorrell argues that modern culture—amplified by technology and relentless connectivity—creates an environment hostile to spiritual flourishing, leaving many believers spiritually atrophied. Drawing on 1 Timothy 4:7-8, he contends that intentional spiritual disciplines are not burdensome obligations but essential practices that create space for God's voice, reorder our misplaced priorities, and transform us from the inside out. The sermon challenges listeners to view fasting, prayer, Scripture meditation, and solitude not as duties to earn God's favor, but as tools to remove obstacles preventing us from experiencing His grace more fully. Commit today to one spiritual discipline that will deepen your connection with Christ and awaken your dormant soul.Eastland is a Place to BelongEastland Baptist Church is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We are a welcoming and close-knit family community that loves to care for each other through the Church. We strongly believe in loving and supporting each other and our neighbors. Our members don't just attend our Church; they feel a strong sense of belonging.Join Us Find service times and our location at https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/join. Connect with UsWebsite: https://www.eastlandbaptist.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastlandbaptisttulsaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlandbaptistTo support the ministry of Eastland Baptist Church, tap here: https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/give.
In this episode, our pastors explore the vital role of self-discipline in the Christian life and the pursuit of sanctification. Why is self-discipline difficult—even for pastors and leaders? What does the Bible mean by discipline, self-control, and self-denial? And how does God use these to shape us into Christlikeness? Through Scripture, practical analogies, and real-life challenges, the pastors discuss: • Why discipline is essential—not only for leaders, but for every believer • How true self-discipline is rooted in love for God and others • The transformative power of spiritual habits like prayer and Scripture • How discipline produces joy, peace, and spiritual fruit • What to do when you struggle or feel spiritually distracted • How to pursue consistent growth in following Jesus Click here to Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCenfIkvDIJa4Qb4WgsH8hkw?sub_confirmation=1 REDEEMING TRUTH MEDIA: http://redeemingtruthmedia.org/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/redeemerbibleaz/ For more information about Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, Arizona, or to help support this ministry, please visit us at https://www.redeemeraz.org Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/redeemeraz Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/redeemeraz Never miss a sermon, find our Redeeming Truth Podcast in your favorite player, and subscribe!
Today we're discussing the debate between feminists and non-feminists, and why I side with the non-feminists for biblical reasons. Just because women can do some of what men do doesn't mean we should. We'll also continue discussing the Charlie Kirk case, Erika Kirk's strange behavior, why being a widow doesn't automatically make you innocent, and why it's deeply concerning that TPUSA refuses to distance itself from Israel, even as Charlie's final words publicly challenged Israel, Judaism, and the control of figures like Ben Shapiro over the conservative movement.
In this episode, Miranda Carls delves into the importance of integrating spiritual disciplines into daily life, especially for busy professionals. Her thoughtful approach will inspire you to re-frame your spiritual practices as essential components of life, fostering a deeper relationship with God. She discusses the challenges and rewards and shares practical advice on how to incorporate these practices into a hectic schedule. Miranda highlights the transformative power of constant communication with God and her insights offer a refreshing perspective on balancing faith and work. About Miranda:Miranda Carls is an author, speaker, executive coach, organizational development consultant, and the Founder of Vertical. Throughout her career, she has provided team and leader development solutions for start-ups, non-profits, churches, mid-size organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. Miranda's career started in the non-profit space, managing the training and professional development functions of a large non-profit organization. She then joined the team at a successful corporate learning strategy firm, where she led large scale employee development initiatives, built adult learning experiences, and served as leader of the firm's learning design function. Currently, Miranda spends much of her time providing executive coaching and team development experiences, as well as training and equipping other coaches.Miranda's book, The Word at Work, unpacks ten biblical principles for Christian professionals. Her writing on faith, work, and Christian living has been featured through The Gospel Coalition, Moody Radio, Biblical Leadership, and others. In 2023, she teamed up with other St. Louis-based leaders to launch Gateway Faith and Work to provide professional development, spiritual edification, fellowship and networking for Christian professionals.Miranda lives outside of St. Louis, Missouri with her husband and three sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, leading worship at her local church, cackling with friends, and getting immersed in a good book. Invite Miranda to speak: miranda@verticalteamdev.comSupport the showTransforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - GET STARTED today! CONNECT WITH US:B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”
Dawson Jones invites us to to build intentional “trellises” — daily habits and spiritual disciplines — that help us abide in Jesus and be transformed into his likeness rather than conformed to the world. True change comes not from trying harder but from training through consistent spiritual practices that align our hearts with what we truly want — to be with Jesus, become like him, and do what he did.
What if the best leadership isn't about having the answers, but about asking the questions that draw out wisdom, connection, and creativity from those around us? What if the most transformational moments in ministry happen not when we speak—but when we invite others to share, reflect, and dream with us?In this episode, J.R. Briggs, author of The Art of Asking Better Questions discusses how asking great questions can open new possibilities for ministry leaders and lead to healthier, more effective leadership—for ourselves and our churches.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:JR Briggs describes how questions neurologically "hijack" our brains, engaging us much more deeply than simple information does.Questions foster both clarity and engagement, enabling deeper connection and creativity between people.JR Briggs identifies several cultural obstacles to asking questions, including conversational narcissism, a lack of curiosity, and the fear of awkwardness.Healthy questions play a crucial role in building connection and trust, especially in an age marked by loneliness.JR Briggs attributes his passion for asking questions to observing his father's genuine curiosity and care for others.The quality of your life depends on the quality of questions you ask yourself, God, and others.Deliberate practice, such as collecting good questions and “gaming” conversations, strengthens one's ability to ask better questions.JR Briggs outlines four levels of questions: information, interaction, understanding, and transformation, each deepening relational impact.JR Briggs encourages leaders to move beyond transactional questions and pursue transformational conversations grounded in trust.Curiosity, wisdom, humility, and courage are essential virtues for asking effective questions.Markus Watson notes that leading with questions, rather than only answers, builds stronger relationships and trust as a pastor.Great leaders amplify others and cultivate deep curiosity, according to JR Briggs's research and coaching experience.Questions create space for spiritual direction, hospitality, and genuine pastoral care within ministries.Slowing down and asking questions in tense moments, instead of having knee-jerk reactions, can lead to greater understanding and connection.Jesus used questions extensively—over 300 in the New Testament—to provoke thought, deepen engagement, and transform lives.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Kairos PartnershipsBooks mentioned:The Art of Asking Better Questions, by J.R. BriggsCanoeing the Mountains, by Tod BolsingerRelated episodes:Episode 240: Leading with Wisdom from Above, with Uli ChiEpisode 270: Evangelism as Consolation, with Andrew RootEpisode 278: Preaching in Today's Post-Christian World, with Mark GlanvilleSend me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Get Becoming Leaders of Shalom for free HERE.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.
How do you know God is for you? Romans 8. Dr. Donald Whitney explains how we can be sure that God is not against us, neutral towards us, but rather He is FOR US!This message was given by guest speaker Dr Donald Whitney, who hosted an Equip Conference that weekend, Spiritual Disciplines for Real People.
Have you thought about fasting recently? When's the last time you memorized a passage of Scripture? Oh yeah, we're going there! Today's episode is all about the spiritual disciplines we forget about.
In this soul-nourishing episode of Prayer & Practice, we dive into what it really means to build a life of spiritual discipline — one step, one prayer, one breath at a time. Inspired by Romans 12:12 — “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer”, we'll explore how to make prayer a daily rhythm instead of just a reaction to crisis.You'll hear honest reflections about the not-so-pretty parts of prayer, how to stay grounded when faith feels dry, and why discipline is actually a form of devotion. Plus, take a few quiet moments for walking meditation and breath prayer: “Make me faithful in the quiet, Lord.”Whether you're walking, journaling, or sipping your morning tea, this episode will help you reconnect with hope, patience, and presence in your everyday life.✨ Listen now and let's build sacred rhythm together.
Each of us faces high-stakes moments—career crossroads, moral dilemmas, and life-altering diagnoses. How do we respond with strength, wisdom, and faith? Drawing from the rise and fall of King David and Paul's call to spiritual training, Phil will explore how our response to challenges is shaped long before a crisis arrives. Discipline is the key. Our personal and spiritual victories are forged in our habits of preparation. Join us Sunday morning for a refresher on the importance of spiritual training.
Theologian Miroslav Volf reflects on solitude, loneliness, and how being alone can reveal our humanity, selfhood, and relationship with God.This episode is part 1 of a 5-part series, SOLO, which explores the theological, moral, and psychological dimensions of loneliness, solitude, and being alone.“Solitude brings one back in touch with who one is—it's how we stabilize ourselves so we know how to be ourselves with others.”Macie Bridge welcomes Miroslav for a conversation on solitude and being oneself—probing the difference between loneliness and aloneness, and the essential role of solitude in a flourishing Christian life. Reflecting on Genesis, the Incarnation, and the sensory life of faith, Volf considers how we can both embrace solitude and attend to the loneliness of others.He shares personal reflections on his mother's daily prayer practice and how solitude grounded her in divine presence. Volf describes how solitude restores the self before God and others: “Nobody can be me instead of me.” It is possible, he suggests, that we can we rediscover the presence of God in every relationship—solitary or shared.Helpful Links and ResourcesThe Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us WorseFyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and PunishmentRainer Maria Rilke, Book of Hours (Buch der Stunden)Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Creation and FallEpisode Highlights“Nobody can be me instead of me. And since I must be me, to be me well, I need times with myself.”“It's not good, in almost a metaphysical sense, for us to be alone. We aren't ourselves when we are simply alone.”“Solitude brings one back in touch with who one is—it's how we stabilize ourselves so we know how to be ourselves with others.”“Our relationship to God is mediated by our relationships to others. To honor another is to honor God.”“When we attend to the loneliness of others, in some ways we tend to our own loneliness.”Solitude, Loneliness, and FlourishingThe difference between solitude (constructive aloneness) and loneliness (diminishment of self).COVID-19 as an amplifier of solitude and loneliness.Volf's experience of being alone at Yale—productive solitude without loneliness.Loneliness as “the absence of an affirming glance.”Aloneness as essential for self-reflection and renewal before others.Humanity, Creation, and RelationshipAdam's solitude in Genesis as an incomplete creation—“It is not good for man to be alone.”Human beings as fundamentally social and political.A newborn cannot flourish without touch and gaze—relational presence is constitutive of personhood.Solitude and communion exist in dynamic tension; both must be rightly measured.Jesus's Solitude and Human ResponsibilityJesus withdrawing to pray as a model of sacred solitude.Solitude allows one to “return to oneself,” guarding against being lost in the crowd.The danger of losing selfhood in relationships, “becoming echoes of the crowd.”God, Limits, and OthersEvery other person as a God-given limit—“To honor another is to honor God.”Violating others as transgressing divine boundaries.True spirituality as respecting the space, limit, and presence of the other.Touch, Senses, and the ChurchThe sensory dimension of faith—seeing, touching, being seen.Mary's anointing of Jesus as embodied gospel.Rilke's “ripe seeing”: vision as invitation and affirmation.The church as a site of embodied presence—touch, seeing, listening as acts of communion.The Fear of Violation and the Gift of RespectLoneliness often born from fear of being violated rather than from lack of company.Loving another includes honoring their limit and respecting their freedom.Practical Reflections on LonelinessQuestions Volf asks himself: “Do I dare to be alone? How do I draw strength when I feel lonely?”The paradox of social connection in a digital age—teenagers side by side, “completely disconnected.”Love as sheer presence—“By sheer being, having a loving attitude, I relieve another's loneliness.”The Spiritual Discipline of SolitudeVolf's mother's daily hour of morning prayer—learning to hear God's voice like Samuel.Solitude as the ground for transformation: narrating oneself before God.“Nobody can die in my place… nobody can live my life in my place.”Solitude as preparation for love and life in community.About Miroslav VolfMiroslav Volf is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School and Founding Director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture. He is the author of Exclusion and Embrace, Flourishing: Why We Need Religion in a Globalized World, and numerous works on theology, culture, and human flourishing—most recently The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse.Production NotesThis podcast featured Miroslav VolfInterview by Macie BridgeEdited and Produced by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Alexa Rollow, Emily Brookfield, and Hope ChunA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give
Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is one of the best we've had in a while because it's basically a dissertation on why play and celebration should be a part of every Christ-follower's spiritual formation plan! While there's no single verse proving that our Savior laughed and played during His earthly life and ministry, there are a plethora of passages that imply it like the literary. The Bible proves over and over again that Christoformity – being shaped like Jesus – isn't always supposed to be serious and somber. Being playful can be every bit as spiritual as being prayerful. Today's going to be a fun day on the porch y'all, so you might want to bring a caffeinated drink, a yummy snack, and your Bible. And try to talk one of your small group friends who thinks spiritual maturity and grumpiness are congruent into hanging out with us too, because we're going to expose that myth as being biblically indefensible! Thanks for carving the time out of your day to be with us – we love getting to spend these moments on the porch with you. Find out more from Hope For The Heart Here.