Podcasts about spiritual disciplines

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

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef identifies signposts that John gives us to determine if we're really following our Savior.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Life at Its Best, Part 2: LISTEN NOWFOR YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNTFor those who feel battle-worn—disheartened by society's moral decline, burdened for their children and grandchildren, weary from fighting the same battles—Dr. Michael A. Youssef's NEW book Winning the Invisible Waroffers timely hope. Speaking directly to those wondering if evil is winning, Dr. Youssef assures us although the war isn't over, victory is already secured in Christ. With Biblical clarity and pastoral compassion, he reminds readers that we can stand strong—not in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. Pre-order your copy today for your gift of any amount!*Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada through November 10, 2025

This week Pastor Janelle preaches on the spiritual discipline of fasting.

Title: Dining Room – Sharing MealsScripture Reading: Acts 2:42, Luke 7:34 Series: The 242 BlueprintThe third component of the church's blueprint found in Acts 2:42 is the sharing of meals. Jesus provides the model for how we should approach the table, teaching us how to E.A.T. E - Example of Jesus: The early church shared meals because Jesus constantly shared meals. He was so often at the meal table that his accusers called him a glutton and a drunkard.A - Accepting the Outsider: A key part of Jesus's example was accepting those who were considered outsiders, like tax collectors and sinners. When Jesus dines with a tax collector named Levi, it forces us to choose our reaction: the pride of the Pharisees who sneer at Jesus's choice of company, or the humility of Levi who recognizes that if Jesus welcomes sinners, he welcomes us. T - Table Task: Jesus used the table to carry out his discipleship mission. We are called to do the same by leveraging our tables for mission. We can do this by practicing spiritual disciplines, having spiritual conversations, and extending hospitality to others around our tables. The table is mission control for the family and a primary tool for discipleship.

Why is it that so many ministry leaders—people called to reflect Christ's love—so often end up burned out, disillusioned, or driven by power and platform instead of humility and service? It's heartbreaking when church leadership doesn't “smell like the gospel,” and instead resembles the very systems of profit and self-promotion it should prophetically resist.In this episode, Jason Jensen, Vice President of Spiritual Foundations for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and author of Formed to Lead, unpacks what true spiritual formation for leaders looks like, how to hold humility and faith in tension, and how suffering and the wilderness can become gifts in our ministry.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Jason Jensen observes that much leadership in the church fails to reflect the gospel and often focuses on power, platform, or profit.Large numbers of Christian leaders experience burnout or moral, character, or spiritual failure, leading to disillusionment among younger generations.Jason Jensen asserts that the Gospel of Luke presents a radically different, subversive vision of leadership, centering the vulnerable and overlooked.Leadership in God's kingdom includes all people, from parents to presidents, and turns conventional power dynamics upside down.Christian leadership requires holding together the paradox of tender humility and bold faith.Jason Jensen describes the spiritual formation of a leader as a lifelong, iterative process marked by failure, repentance, and receiving the love of God.Embracing wilderness seasons—times of pain, failure, or dryness—is essential for spiritual growth and character development.Markus Watson invites Jason Jensen to share from personal experience how suffering shaped his faith and leadership, prompting stories of transformation after injury and failure.Experiencing grief, loss, and mistakes can be some of the most formative experiences for a leader's development and empathy.Depth and authenticity in leadership are formed by embracing—not bypassing—suffering and wilderness experiences.Jason Jensen highlights Steve Hayner's example of leadership, specifically his ability to listen well, include others, and help others feel loved and safe.Steve Hayner practiced “expansive discourse” and adaptive leadership, carrying pain with others and facilitating mutual learning rather than judgment.Sustainable organizational change requires time, patience, and leaders who bring everyone to the table and foster shared purpose.Offering one's life—and even one's death—as a gift to God and others represents the culmination of a spiritual journey, embodying humility, sacrifice, and openness.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Jason Jensen:formedtolead.comInstagramXFacebookBooks mentioned:Formed to Lead, by Jason JensenRelated episodes:244. Finding Strength in Desperation, with Mandy SmithSend 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.

Do spiritual disciplines still matter in today's busy world? In this episode of the Finding Freedom Co Podcast, we're uncovering the real power behind practices like prayer, Bible study, worship, fasting, and rest.Spiritual disciplines are not about checking boxes or trying to earn God's love. Instead, they are invitations to draw closer to Him, find freedom in His presence, and experience lasting transformation. Just like an athlete trains for strength and endurance, we are called to “train ourselves for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). These practices shape our hearts, anchor our faith, and open space for the Holy Spirit to move in powerful ways.If you've ever struggled to stay consistent, felt guilty for missing a day, or wondered if disciplines really make a difference, this episode will encourage you to see them in a whole new light.And don't forget, our next Bible study inside the membership starts October 6th! Join us for you guessed it, The Power of Spiritual Disciplines as we dive deeper into what it means to walk with God daily.

This week pastor Janelle introduces our new sermon series on spiritual disciplines.

God's Word calls us to remember! We often fall into spiritual amnesia, forgetting God's commands and His works in our lives. Remembering is a vital spiritual discipline—forgetting is no excuse for disobedience. Scripture offers powerful ways to keep God's truth close. Join Delaney and Bev to explore how to stay rooted in remembrance!

One thing that often isn't mentioned in Christian circles is fasting. With the great help of Don Whitney and his book The Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life, we will attempt to fix that! 

Tim brings us a stand alone talk about spiritual disciplines and how persuing them can benefit our lives and faith.

In this inspiring sermon, Associate Pastor Jeff Stemple steps in for Senior Pastor Karl, who is currently on a mission trip in Ukraine with the Excel Leadership Network, planting churches in a war-torn region. Pastor Jeff shares a heartfelt message about the importance of guarding your heart, drawing from Proverbs 4:23, which describes the heart as the wellspring of life. Reflecting on a personal story from his childhood in 1983, when his prized BMX bike was stolen, Pastor Jeff illustrates how unguarded decisions can lead to regret and loss. He emphasizes that the heart is both valuable and prone to deception, urging listeners to protect it by renewing their minds with God's Word and discerning what influences they allow in. Through practical steps, like setting a daily reminder to reflect on “What has my heart?” and engaging in upcoming church workshops, Pastor Jeff encourages the congregation to cultivate a peaceful, discerning heart rooted in faith. This message offers timeless wisdom for making decisions that align with God's will and lead to a life of purpose.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

This sermon focuses on how true believers are to be good examples in Christ and stumbling blocks to their brothers and sisters in Christ.

On this episode: Aaron is oppositional to better understand. Nate asks why. This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Ron Ovitt. Ron is an ordained minister, author, podcaster, pastoral counselor, recovery coach, and speaker. Ron specializes in emotional relearning. He wow's us with this fact: emotions are learned, and they can be relearned! He explains and gives tips on reparenting. A controversial opinion of dopamine is discussed. And 3 steps for emotional regulation. It's an eventful episode you won't want to miss! Links: Ron's Books Ron's email Rov OvittNov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatIf you have thoughts or questions and you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society.For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com. Support for the women in our lives who have been impacted by our choices is available at sarahsociety.com.The Pirate Monk Podcast is provided by Samson Society, a ministry of Samson House, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. To enjoy future Pirate Monk podcasts, please consider a contribution to Samson House.   Mysite Ron Ovitt Ron Ovitt is an author, speaker, Pastoral Counselor, and Christian Recovery Coach who writes and speaks on emotional resilience, anxiety, PTSD, addictions, ADHD, Spiritual Disciplines, and the integration of Psychology and Christianity. (2 MB) https://www.ronovitt.com/     Samson House Store 2025 Samson Summit — Samson House Store Join us for an unforgettable weekend to explore your story, deepen your relationships, and live out your story as fully as God intended. When: November 7-9, 2025 Where: Camp Glorieta , a 2,400-acre campus located about 15 miles southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico lodging options are available.     Samson House Store Wild & Sacred Journey — Samson House Store Join us during the Samson Summit on November 7-9, 2025, for The Wild and Sacred Journey , a transformative weekend retreat designed exclusively for women to reconnect with the wild, playful, and sacred aspects of themselves. This experience weaves together moments of creative expression and deep reflection.     Samson Society Help Us Reach More Men - Samson Society This site, built and maintained by Samson House, is an effort to turn the computer or smartphone—which has often served as an instrument of destruction—into an instrument of healing. Through this site and the Samson app, men all around the world are being invited into the kind of authentic conversation that actually meets our deep needs.                        

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Stay connected with us! https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverHopeCC http://www.discoverhope.us/ Instagram Hope Community @discoverhopecc Sozo Youth @sozo_youth Please consider partnering with us and supporting our ministry! http://www.discoverhope.us/give

A new MP3 sermon from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 5. The Cultivation of Holiness: The Spiritual Disciplines Subtitle: PRTS Conference 2025 Speaker: Conrad Mbewe Broadcaster: Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary Event: Conference Date: 8/22/2025 Bible: Mark 1:32-39 Length: 53 min.

After discussing prayer, Bible reading, and meditation, we might wonder if we are falling into a trap about seeing ourselves as "brains on a stick." How are we to address that? With some help from Matthew Bingham and his book A Hearth Aflame for God we will answer that question! 

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.

Alexis Ruhumuriza

Recorded live at Hope Church's Volunteer Appreciation Day in Richmond. Tommy shares two life-giving disciplines that help “always yes” volunteers find margin, joy, and balance. You will hear how Sabbath rest and intentional celebration can move you from burnout to sustainable service, plus a practical Q&A on making this work in real life and work.Key TakeawaysGod did not design you to live overloaded, overwhelmed, and exhausted.Sabbath is both a command and a gift. It is meant to come first so your work flows from rest.Rest renews joy, relationships, and impact. You serve from overflow rather than empty.Celebration is a spiritual practice. Joy and gratitude strengthen service.Small margins matter. Arrive a few minutes early. Leave space between meetings. Build simple pauses into your day.In nontraditional schedules, take rest whenever the window opens. Treat it as a first priority when possible.Timestamps(0:00) Intro(1:11) My Volunteer Addiction(11:04) The Discipline of Rest(30:11) The Discipline of Celebration(38:26) Q&A Section(39:32) Question 1(43:12) Question 2(47:57) Question 3(52:13) Question 4(53:50) Final ThoughtsScripture MentionedIsaiah 30:15Isaiah 58:13–14Psalm 23Psalm 150Matthew 11:28–30Hebrews 4:9–11Books MentionedMargin by Richard SwensonIf you found this helpful, please share the episode with a friend! Subscribe to Space for Life for more conversations on living with margin and purpose.

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God's rest isn't about inactivity but about living under His reign. Biblical rest encompasses five stages: Eden, the Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple, the Church, and ultimately the New Creation. When we misunderstand rest as merely 'turning off,' we miss that God's rest and reign are inseparable. We step out of this rest when we follow fleshly desires, engage in religious activities from wrong motives, or prioritize appearances over authentic godliness. True rest comes from living under God's authority, experiencing His presence, and anticipating His promised future. The peace we desperately seek isn't found in our chaotic world but in submission to Christ.Biblical rest is not inactivity but living under God's reign and authority.God's rest and His reign cannot be separated - wherever God rests, He also reigns.Humanity was created to live from God's rest, not for rest.When we live outside God's rest and reign, both individuals and society decay.What was lost in Eden will be restored in the new creation, giving us hope for the future.Support the show

 The good fight of faith is difficult because, you need more than belief—you need the mindset of a warrior. Today, we'll delve into you the five traits every believer must carry to fight the fight of faith and win.”  Connect with us: YouTube: YouTube.com/@soul02-oxygen Facebook: @LP.Oxygen https://www.facebook.com/LP.Oxygen Instagram: LP.Oxygen Twitter: @Soul025 Buzzsprout: Soul02-Buzzsprout Spotify: Soul02 - Spotify Apple: Soul02-Itunes Stitcher: Soul02-Stitcher

During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology, Alli and I are tip-toeing carefully into foreign territory because we're talking about the massive benefit of having moments when we're not talking! C.S. Lewis wrote extensively about the value of solitary moments and considered silence to be a powerful force for spiritual transformation – he described it as a strategic way to get closer to God. It's going to be a good day on the porch, y'all – whether you're a saint of few words or a gabber like us – so please pour yourself a mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, grab your Bible, and pull up a chair. We're so glad we get to spend this time leaning more fully into the love of God with you. Find out more from Hope For The Heart Here.

Resources mentioned in this podcast: The Handwriting on the Wall by David Jeremiah Connect with us online: https://www.cheneyfaithcenter.org https://www.facebook.com/cheneyfaithcenter https://www.instagram.com/cheney_faith_center

Title: "Psalms and Spiritual Disciplines" Date: Wed PM 2025-09-10 Listen to the full audio and view notes at https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/9325206472737 We would love for you to join us in Fairview Heights, IL! Go to www.EdgemontBibleChurch.org for more info about our local church. Support more videos like this one by texting "EDGEMONTGIVE" to 77977 or giving at https://pushpay.com/pay/edgemontbiblechurch CCLI Licenses: Copyright License 573220 Streaming License 20321863

Navigating new seasons in our spiritual journey requires strength and courage, just as Joshua needed when leading Israel into the Promised Land. Growth often brings discomfort, but it's necessary for spiritual maturity. To successfully navigate these transitions, we must keep God's Word in our mouths, speaking life rather than complaints, and follow His presence even into unfamiliar territory. God sometimes ends one provision (like the manna) to move us toward something better. These challenging transitions are actually opportunities for deeper maturity and fruitfulness in our faith journey.Keep the Bible in your mouth - what we speak matters, especially during times of change and growth.Follow God's presence - just as the Israelites followed the Ark of the Covenant, we need to be led by the Spirit rather than our own preferences.When spiritual practices feel dry or stale, it may be God's way of pushing you into a new season of growth.Growth and change are often uncomfortable but necessary for spiritual maturity.Our faith is meant to be lived in community, not in isolation.Support the show

In this episode, I talk with author Elise Tegegne about how spiritual disciplines not only help us grow in our walk with Jesus, but they also benefit us as writers. Elise explains some of the disciplines she has found helpful and sometimes challenging. You'll come away with practical ways to refresh your walk with God and your writing!Mama, editor, and writer Elise Tegegne has published articles at Risen Motherhood, Christian Parenting, and (in)courage, among others. Her first book In Praise of Houseflies: Meditations on the Gifts in Everyday Quandaries is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Calla Press, In addition to serving as the Director of Communications for missions organization Synergie Francophone, she also writes a monthly blog, which inspires readers to cultivate eyes for the divine in their own daily difficulties. After teaching at a mission school for four years in Ethiopia, she now lives stateside with her husband and energetic four-year-old. Read more of her words at elisetegegne.com or reach out on Instagram @elisetegegne.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Visit donate.accessmore.com and give today to help fund more episodes and shows like this. Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're talking about the spiritual discipline of fasting – the willingness to forgo food, or social media, or some other physical or emotional comfort in order to focus more of our attention and affection on God. One of my favorite ancient theologians, Thomas A'Kempis, wrote this in his classic book “The Imitation of Christ”: True peace of heart therefore is found by resisting our passions, not by obeying them. Our Savior is the only One who can master us without abusing us. And sometimes, allowing ourselves to feel physical hunger pains is what prompts us to lean more fully into Jesus to satisfy the spiritual hunger in our hearts and minds. We're diving in pretty deep today y'all, so please grab a tall glass of something refreshing, along with your Bible and a notebook or sticky pad and come hang out on the porch with us. We're so grateful we get to spend this time with you.

Tonight, we continue our look at studying the Bible by examining the lost arts of memorization and meditation! 

9/7/25 Series: A Long ObediencePart 1: Why Spiritual Disciplines Matter Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-10Speaker: Phillip SantillanClarity Church gathers every Sunday at 10:00am at Edinbrook Elementary School in Brooklyn Park, MN

Title: Grace Isn't LazyScripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4:7-10Pastor Bill returns from his summer sabbatical to give three reflections on training for godliness:1. Discipline takes effort. 2. Discipline affects others. 3. Discipline pays off. 

Fasting involves a strong desire to hear from God and a willingness to abstain from distractions.

On Sunday, we concluded our sermon series on Spiritual Disciplines. Pastor Michael preached out of Luke 15:3-7 on the discipline of celebration. What have you overlooked that needs to be celebrated? How can you continue to live out the spiritual disciplines? Have a great week!

This is The Energy to Heal, your resource for all things Splankna, the faith-based inner healing modality that will help you achieve emotional freedom. In this episode, host Laura Milliken sits down with her husband, Mason Milliken, for a powerful conversation about surrendering to Christ as the true secret to peace, joy, and ease in life. Through candid storytelling and real-life examples, Laura and Mason explore the ways faith has shaped their marriage, family, and entrepreneurial journey. Mason shares how surrendering to God's direction has allowed him to build businesses—not out of striving, but out of trust. Together, they reveal how detaching from worldly control opens the door to freedom, fulfillment, and deep rest in God's plan. This episode will encourage anyone facing uncertainty, business pressures, or personal struggles to discover the life-changing truth: surrender is not loss—it's the path to abundant life in Christ. BOOK MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: GRACE WALK by STEVE MCVEY  ✨ Takeaways: Surrender to Christ is the true secret to peace, joy, and freedom. Faith and business are not separate—they can flow together. Letting go of control leads to greater clarity and ease. God honors risk when it is rooted in trust and obedience. Detaching from worldly attachments opens the way to true fulfillment. Practical faith can guide everyday decisions in work and family. Living surrendered means trading striving for God's strength.

Welcome to the fall 2025 season of the podcast! From now through Thanksgiving, we'll be covering the topic of rhythms and routines surrounding our writing. In this episode, I share some personal life updates, and I also ask for your input.* In this world of AI, what types of writing help from an actual, knowledgeable human would you find helpful?* What types of formats do you like to get that help—online courses? Articles? Coaching sessions? A live group webinar?Drop your response in the comments or send me an email!Also, we look at how writing can be a spiritual discipline in itself. The things we learn through writing, if we don't give up, are part of our broader sanctification journey as followers of Jesus. I've created a new resource called The Christian Writer's Mindset Makeover to help you identify faulty mindsets surrounding your writing and replace them with truth from God's Word. You can download that for free at www.amylynnsimon.com/makeover.As always, if you benefit from the podcast, please tell someone about it! The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week, you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails, and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

We continue our series on the Spiritual Gifts! Our topic this time is Bible Reading to actually change your life!  

Visit donate.accessmore.com and give today to help fund more episodes and shows like this. Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is the first in a 4-part series exploring the biblical foundations of “Spiritual Formation.” There are lots of strong opinions regarding which practices in particular should be included in a classic spiritual formation plan, but we're only going to cover a couple here on BPT, beginning with table fellowship. Have you ever noticed how often Jesus gathered around a table with His friends and disciples and shared a meal? The Gospels include as many depictions of our Savior eating as it does Him praying! Frankly, sharing meals and worshipping God are synergistic throughout the Bible. Please grab your favorite beverage, a couple of snacks, and your Bible then come prop your feet up on the porch with us. We're really glad you're here!

The Secret Battle Most Men Are Losing (But Can't Afford To)Most men aren't falling in public—they're falling in private.In this powerful and deeply personal video, Red Wallace—Legacy Identity Coach and founder of the Better Than Best Academy—reveals how a quiet lack of self-control is silently sabotaging men's leadership, marriages, and fatherhood.Through vulnerable stories and biblical truth, Red shows why true strength isn't loud—it's restrained, and why mastering your emotions isn't optional if you want to build a legacy that lasts.

The power for the spiritual disciplines doesn't come from within ourselves, or our own strength. The power to live the Christian life, the power to stand strong in the faith, what completes the armor of God, is prayer.

In this episode, Pastor Urshan discusses building spiritual disciplines so that they become organic rhythms in our daily lives.

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef explains how a church can respond lovingly and Biblically when a believer is unrepentant. If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Part 7: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW

Pastor Sean Azzaro shares his early morning routine, which includes a deep spiritual discipline of reading the Bible, praying, and seeking the Lord's guidance. The conversation also touches on church governance, the importance of elders, and maintaining spiritual accountability and integrity within church leadership. And it's also the first utterance of #GoBears.00:00 Introduction and NFL Season Excitement01:01 Morning Routine and Spiritual Practices02:14 The Importance of Daily Bible Reading04:57 Discussing Church Governance14:23 Qualifications and Selection of Elders23:15 Upcoming Church Events and Services25:02 Closing Prayer and Ref

Pastor Sean Azzaro shares his early morning routine, which includes a deep spiritual discipline of reading the Bible, praying, and seeking the Lord's guidance. The conversation also touches on church governance, the importance of elders, and maintaining spiritual accountability and integrity within church leadership. And it's also the first utterance of #GoBears.00:00 Introduction and NFL Season Excitement01:01 Morning Routine and Spiritual Practices02:14 The Importance of Daily Bible Reading04:57 Discussing Church Governance14:23 Qualifications and Selection of Elders23:15 Upcoming Church Events and Services25:02 Closing Prayer and Ref

Prophecy Watchers Rapture Kit Radio Show Package The Great Last Days Apostasy (Dr. Hixson's new book) NBW Ministries website Newsletter Signup NBW Ministries store Spirit of the False Prophet Audiobook YouTube Rumble Podbean Spirit of the False Prophet Spirit of the Antichrist Volume One Spirit of the Antichrist Volume Two Apostasy, Spiritual Discipline, Church, Bible, Not By Works