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Hi, friend. Thank you for joining me for another Encouraging Word. Today's episode features a story found in Mark Chapter 2. Maybe you know it - it's about a man who is unable to walk and goes to great lengths to be in the same room with Jesus. He wants to be healed. And he is, but that's not really the point of the story.
Hello, friend. I hope you're doing well today. We're beginning a new series of episodes this week, tackling the topic of fear. Fear comes up a lot in the teachings of Jesus. In fact, the most common command issued by Jesus is some version of "Do not fear." Easier said than done, right? But with God's help, it's possible, my friend. You can fear less tomorrow than you do today.
Hello, friend. I hope you're doing well today. This week on the podcast we're wrapping up our series exploring the profound gift of God's grace. If you've missed any episodes, I invite you to go back and catch up. My prayer is you will receive this great gift that meets your greatest need, and that you will learn what happens when graces reach into every part of your life. Let grace get you.
Today I have an on-air session with Christian Bevere, as we processed some of the mistakes she made during her dating days, including dating from places of insecurity, as well as the unrealistic expectations she placed on what dating was "supposed to" look like or feel like in that season of life. We then talk through how unrealistic expectations continue to play out, if we're not careful, even in marriage. We unpack how family dynamics and Christian culture can influence our perspectives on dating and relationships for both the good and bad, and how there can almost be a "desperation" for relationships, that lead us to looking for love in the wrong places. If this episode resonates with you, check out True Love Dates to learn more about becoming healthy standing alone, and attracting and engaging in healthy relationships.
The Debra Fileta Counselors Network:
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DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of eight books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.
Courtney Pray Duke joins Levi and Jennie for a deeply moving conversation about grief, healing, and the unexpected ways God meets us in our hardest moments. From the physical toll of writing her story to the vulnerability of releasing it into the world, Courtney shares what it's really like to carry hope after unimaginable loss.
After losing her husband Andrew in a tragic accident, Courtney found herself navigating life as a young widow with three kids-learning to survive, to trust God in the unknown, and eventually, to live again. This episode holds space for the tension of heartbreak and joy coexisting, while offering a powerful reminder: even in the darkest valleys, God is present, faithful, and still writing a beautiful story.
Connect with us on social!
Courtney: @courtneyprayduke
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Get And She Got Up by Courtney Pray Duke: https://bit.ly/41JAjJb
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Time Stamps:
0:03:36 - "The most unglamorous thing I've ever done"
0:11:35 - When God speaks in a dream
0:16:13 - The blue-sky day that shattered everything
0:35:29 - The long road back to Thanksgiving
0:39:16 - The battle cry that became a muscle
0:43:21 - community, casseroles, and learning to do the bills
1:00:04 - Why this book is for everyone - even people who haven't lost anyone yet
1:02:00 - "And she got up": the Scripture, the title, the whole testimony
Hello, my friend. We make mistakes, don't we? We make stupid decisions, some of use more than others. We sin. And God, in his kindness, has given us a tool to deal with it. To resolve the regret or shame left behind by those bad decisions. He has given us confession.
