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During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology, I have the absolute delight of diving deep into some real-life stuff with two dear friends, Natalie Grant, and her husband, Bernie Herms. Unless you're living off the grid and are listening to BPT through a coconut and dental floss, you've no doubt heard Natalie's stellar voice because she's been a recording artist for over twenty years and has more awards - including multiple female artist of the year awards - than you could fit in the back of a truck. And Bernie's success as a music producer is every bit as extraordinary as Nat's; he's also been honored with a plethora of accolades, including several Grammys. If you feel like you're running low on hope this season because the miracle you've been trusting God for hasn't happened yet, Nat and Bernie's story is going to provide both empathy and encouragement and will help reframe our perspectives regarding God's sovereignty and our expectancy.
Hello, friend. I hope you're having a good day.
Some of the most difficult challenges in life come our way thanks to bad luck, bad timing, or bad actors. And when we're dealt a bad hand, it's easy to justify our choices. To be tempted by shortcuts or quick fixes. When you find yourself in such a situation, be encouraged by the example of Joseph in Genesis 39 - do what pleases God.
In this episode, Christine Caine draws wisdom from the life of the Apostle Paul as he delivers his farewell address in Acts 20. Paul's unwavering passion to finish his race and fulfill his purpose in Christ-despite persecution, hardship, and uncertainty-is a compelling call for every believer. Christine reminds us that there is no age, stage, or circumstance that excuses us from obedience to God's call. The wisdom to live well isn't just about knowledge-it's about surrender, perseverance, and keeping our eyes on eternity. This episode will challenge you to recommit to your purpose and finish strong, no matter what it costs.
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide at ChristineCaine.com/Podcast.
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Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
This week, I got to sit down with my friend Tauren Wells. Not only does he have a voice that can fill stadiums, but it's his heart that really moves people. We talked about calling, the cost of obedience, and what it looks like to trust God when the plan doesn't make sense. Tauren emphasized that joy and happiness are intertwined and that God desires for us to experience joy in our lives. He's living proof that you can chase your dreams and stay grounded in your purpose. Pull up a chair and join us, because you're going to enjoy this one.
Connect with Tauren: instagram.com/taurenwells
Order "Joy Bombs": https://a.co/d/7QXxDXu
Connect with Bob: instagram.com/bobgoff
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Come join Bob and some of his friends for a workshop at The Oaks! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
Hi, friend. Welcome back to the Encouraging Word Podcast.
Today's episode is for anyone who knows what it's like to lose everything, who knows what it's like to feel far from God. Listen to this promise found in Psalm 139: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." God is not far from you, my friend. He is with you.
During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're wrapping up a 3-part series on Zephaniah in a series we called "The Theology of Compassionate Consequences".
It may initially sound like an oxymoron - a contradiction in terms - to pair the words "compassionate" and "consequences" together, kind of like "jumbo shrimp" or "act naturally" or "climb down". It begs the question, "If God really is unconditionally loving, then why do we have to suffer consequences at all?"
Here's the deal y'all, God's parameters aren't punitive or pejorative...they are always promissory and protective. Psalm 16:5 says it best, "His boundary lines for me have fallen in pleasant places." Alli, Dr. Howard & I are so happy you've chosen to carve out this time to hang out on the porch with us, please grab a cup of coffee and your Bible, then feel free to lean back and put your feet up.
This is a safe place to lean further into the unconditional love of our Creator Redeemer.
Ep 69 with Sharon Hodde Miller: Rethinking Church, Calling, and What It Means to Lead with Integrity
In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Sharon Hodde Miller for a dynamic conversation on church leadership, calling, and trusting the Holy Spirit's leading. Sharon shares how she and her husband planted a church after resisting the call and why leading as co-pastors has reshaped their ministry. They dive into gender roles, church hurt, theological formation, and how to reach a generation with deep skepticism toward religion. Listen in and find encouragement to pursue your calling with renewed boldness!
SHOW NOTES:
From "Never" to "Yes"
Sharon shares how God radically redirected her and her husband's plans, calling them to plant Bright City Church in Durham, NC-even though they never saw it coming.
Co-Leading as Spouses with Complimentary Gifts
Sharon discusses the power of shared leadership and how she and her husband lead from their strengths, modeling teamwork and mutual honor.
The Gap Between the World and the Church
They talk about why so many are disillusioned with the church, how distrust has grown, and what the church must do to restore credibility and hope.
Women in Leadership: Opportunity and Resistance
In a highly educated city, women lead in every space-except the church. Sharon shares how she's using her voice to change that.
Wine and Wineskins
Sharon and Christine explore why clinging to tradition isn't the answer-and why only the Holy Spirit can help the church engage a changing world with lasting power.
Follow Sharon Hodde Miller, @sharonhmiller
Follow Christine @ChristineCaine
Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast.
Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast.
You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine.
We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.
No matter where a woman has influence - in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry - Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.
In celebration of Mother's Day this month, Ruth's sitting down to talk about the wild and wonderful journey of motherhood with a handful of friends in various stages of life.
Tune in for today's conversation with Jinger Vuolo about how her upbringing influences her motherhood, discerning what she wants to teach her own children, and what it looks like to navigate parenting littles in a social media culture.
Resources mentioned:
People Pleaser by Jinger Vuolo
Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Vuolo
The Jinger and Jeremy Podcast
Annie F. Downs is back, and she's bringing the grit, the laughs, and the deep soul-stuff. From rolling ottomans up four flights of stairs to discovering how New York life reshaped her rhythms, Annie shares what it means to grow through the hard and embrace unexpected gifts from God. She opens up about her journey of grief, the heart behind her children's book Where Did TJ Go?, and how singleness has led to a life she truly loves. It's raw, funny, and powerfully honest. Don't miss it!
Connect with us on social!
Annie: @anniefdowns
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
That Sounds Fun Podcast: https://bit.ly/43YTLEq
Get the 5-Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
Timestamps
00:45 - Annie's New York Life & Brick Wall Vibes
02:15 - The Struggle of Rhythms in Two Cities
06:00 - Prayer Rooms, Singleness & Hope for the Future
10:40 - Don't Quit in February: How to Hold On in the Storm
17:00 - The Power of a 10-Minute Timer to Fight Temptation
36:55 - Behind the Book: Where Did TJ Go? and Grieving With Kids
In this episode, Christine Caine walks us through Psalm 73 to unpack the paradox of wisdom-how we can find peace even when life feels unjust and chaotic. Through the story of Asaph, Christine explores the raw questions many of us have wrestled with: Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? With powerful honesty and biblical insight, she reminds us that peace doesn't come from perfect circumstances but from entering God's presence and gaining eternal perspective. If you're struggling to reconcile what you believe about God with what you see in the world, this episode will challenge and comfort you with the truth that God's wisdom always leads to peace, even when nothing around you changes.
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide at ChristineCaine.com/Podcast.
+ + + + +
Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
