Trending
Today's Happy New Year conversation is akin to dancing with a 500-pound gorilla with balance issues because most of us are going to get our proverbial toes pinched! The reason why is we're going to get real about how our daily digital gluttony ~ from scrolling through social media, Googling down one rabbit trail after another, perusing the pretend aisles of Amazon Prime, and reconnecting with old high school flames who slid into our DMs ~ is making us heartsick. Multiple highly regarded scientific studies over the past few years have revealed that the excessive time most of us spend staring at our phone screens has a negative impact on our neuro-pathways, as well as our primary relationships. Plus, there's irrefutable proof now that adolescents' brains ~ which are still developing ~ become more sensitive when anticipating social rewards and punishments over time with increased social media usage. In other words, the measurable result of all those hours our kids are spending on TikTok and viewing reels, is a heightened sense of insecurity and self-doubt. Not installing boundaries on the amount of digital data we're consuming every day is the neurological and emotional equivalent of giving a hungry fox the key code to our chicken coup, y'all! So here's the deal ~ after hanging out with my pastor today, Dr. Darren Whitehead ~ who's an expert when it comes to the corrosive consequences of the constant digital barrage of modern culture ~ we're going to invite you to join us for a relatively brief digital detox here at the beginning of 2025 and learn how making our smart phones a little dumber will make our relationships with God and each other a whole lot richer! For some of you saints this single conversation has the potential to change the trajectory of '2025 and not only redeem huge chunks of time locusts have devoured in your life but quite possibly begin the closing the intimacy gap you've unwittingly allowed your phone to create between you and the people you love. So please grab a cup of coffee, your Bible, and a notebook or journal and pull your chair up on the porch with us for this caboose of 2024 conversation. Happy New Year ~ we're really happy you're here.
Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is all about the contextual biblical scaffolding for a series we're calling the Theology of Worship. But lest you think we're going to be talking about the three or four songs before a sermon or our preferred style of music, let me assure you this conversation isn't just for people who can carry a tune or for those who know how to navigate their Apple music ap! Frankly, our tendency to associate worship solely with music is like limiting ourselves to one food group for every single meal for the rest of our lives - I love Tex Mex y'all, but if I had to eat chips and queso three times a day, every day, for the rest of my life it would be sadly and unnecessarily reductive! In the Christian context, worship is so much wider and deeper and more comprehensive than a song list or a musical genre. Case in point, listen to what one of our favorite theologians here at BPT - Dr. N.T. Wright - says about the centrality of worship: "All kingdom work is rooted in worship. Or, to put it the other way around, worshipping the God we see at work in Jesus is the most politically charged act we can ever perform. Christian worship decares that Jesus is Lord and that therefore, by strong implication, nobody else is. What's more, it doesn't just declare it as something to be believed, like the fact that the sun is hot or the sea wet. It commits the worshipper to allegiance, to following this Jesus, to being shaped and directed by him. Worshipping the God we see in Jesus orients our whole being, our imagination, our will, our hopes, and our fears away from the world where Mars, Mammon, and Aphrodite (violence, money, and sex) make absolute demands and punish anyone who resists. It orients us instead to a world in which love is stronger than death, the poor are promised the kingdom, and chastity (whether married or single) reflects the holiness and faithfulness of God himself. Acclaiming Jesus as Lord plants a flag that supersedes the flags of our nations, however 'free' or 'democratic' they may be." In other words, WORSHIP is the fruit and fuel of our faith, the flagpole we rally around as those who've been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Worship is the very essence of our spiritual DNA. Just as a half dozen and six communicate the same number of eggs, to have faith in Jesus Christ and to be a worshipper should be synonymous. Worship isn't simply a verb for the musically inclined among us, it should be the passionate preoccupation of God's people. Okay, as you can tell we're pretty fired up today so you'd better grab a cup of something caffeinated and your Bible - unless you're listening to this while simultaneously trying to figure out how to increase the incline on the treadmill at the gym you just joined because you're determined to ditch the Spanx in 2025 - and come hang out on the porch with us for some genuine, digital community and hopefully some real encouragement. We're really grateful to get to spend this time hanging out with y'all.
In this episode, Christine Caine will equip you with biblical insights to help you flourish and live a blessed life. Jesus came so that we might have life-and life more abundant-allowing us to carry joy and peace even through difficult seasons. Amidst storms, trials, and disappointments, and in a world filled with sin and suffering, it can be tempting to believe that true happiness is out of reach. But our God is loving, gracious, merciful, and compassionate, and His Word tells us that lasting happiness is found in a life committed to Him. This episode will empower you to embrace a deeper understanding and trust in God's promises, so you can live out your inheritance of happiness as a child of God, even through life's challenges. Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here.
+ + + + +
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.
It's that time of year when we're choosing gifts to give for Christmas. As the hero of the holidays, Jesus deserves our finest gift. But what could that be? We can look to the angels to know what Jesus really wants from us this Christmas.
As a reminder, The Encouraging Word Podcast will be off next week, but we'll back with new episodes in January. Merry Christmas, friend!
In this episode, Christine Caine and Priscilla Shirer offer a wealth of wisdom about surrendering our lives fully to the plan and purposes of God, no matter the call or the cost. We often find ourselves wondering if we are hearing from God correctly, if we are overthinking, and what might happen if we "get it wrong." In today's conversation, Christine and Priscilla bring practical methods for checking-in with God and moving forward with confidence.
SHOW NOTES:
Daily Surrender
Jesus says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Priscilla remarks that to take up our cross "means something has to die. We have to be willing to loosen our grip on the things that we hold dear for the sake of making sure that nothing and no one is in first place over him."
An Anchored Soul
Christine asks how we can know if something has taken first place in our lives. Priscilla gives us three practical indicators:
1. Our time. If we aren't spending time with the Lord it's because he's not a priority, not because we don't have time.
2. Our treasures. Are we giving to the Lord and his work?
3. Our significance. What have I tied myself to and how can I ask the Lord to help me recalibrate?
A Mother's Prayer
For mothers, surrendering their children can be hard. Priscilla reminds us that we don't have control over older children, but we can pray the Holy Spirit speaks to them, works in them, protects them, and transforms their hearts in ways only God can. Prayer calls down heaven's power onto our earthly circumstances, reaping a mighty harvest from the petitions sown.
Follow Priscilla @PriscillaShirer and check out her new movie, The Forge. Her newest book, I Surrender All, is available wherever books are sold.
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!
-
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.
Kick-off 2025 with Levi and Jennie Lusko in their first-ever live Q&A episode of Hey! It's The Luskos! They explore setting a vision for 2030, balancing faith with family and sports, and share practical tips for aspiring writers. Discover their favorite family traditions, how they navigate big life changes, and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of it all. Whether you're seeking motivation for the New Year, advice on Christian parenting, or insights on personal growth, this episode is packed with faith-filled wisdom and fun. Don't miss it!
Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Download free Vision Map: https://bit.ly/3Dz5CxA
"You in 5 Years" Sermon Series: https://bit.ly/41WX2Tr
Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI
Timestamps:
07:13 - Starting the Live Q&A with Audience Questions
08:12 - Thoughts on the Moon and Mars Race
09:21 - Where to Start When Writing a Book
14:29 - Managing Kids, Sports, and Keeping Jesus First
20:52 - Balancing Family Traditions and Spiritual Priorities
30:51 - Should Tattoos and Piercings Affect Ministry Roles?
34:51 - How to Decide When It's Time to Move Jobs or Cities
49:55 - The Three Most Influential People in Our Lives
53:03 - The Esau Syndrome and Trading Lifelong Gifts
31:08 - Plans for Writing Fiction in the Future
32:20 - Navigating Family Members Passing Away Gracefully
36:15 - Re-preaching a Sermon Series with New Perspective
In this episode, Christine Caine will empower you with confidence that God has not forgotten you. At times, it can seem like we have been hoping and praying for a particular thing and He just doesn't hear or care. But the truth is you are always on God's mind because He cares for you. God's timing is always perfect. Waiting on God and trusting His plan and purpose in your life is never time wasted. This episode will equip you to keep going, to keep believing, and to keep expecting God to do what He has promised. Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here.
+ + + + +
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.
Hello friend. Thanks for joining me today.
Can you believe we're halfway through December? Christmas will be here in just a few days. As you're no doubt busy preparing for the holidays, I pray today's episode gives you a few moments to reflect on the Savior who comes at just the right moment.
Welcome to the last episode of the 3-part Catching Whimsy series! Bob and Kim discuss the intricacies of launching a book, emphasizing the importance of timing, community engagement, and effective marketing strategies. They explore how authors can build a launch team, utilize social media, and manage pre-sales to create momentum for their book releases.
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
---
Order a copy of Catching Whimsy at catchingwhimsybook.com.
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer's Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
