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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.
Hello, my friend. I hope you're having a good day.
Anxiety. It's an all-too-common part of our lives. The statistics, especially among young people, are staggering. I know there are legitimate concerns in our world that need attention. And I know there are times clinical intervention is the solution God provides to those who struggle. But I also know peace is possible.
SHOWNOTES:
Have you ever wondered what makes the people of God stand out in a world full of chaos and division? In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks the story of Solomon's temple and the Queen of Sheba to remind us that the church is not about buildings-it's about people who carry the presence of God into the world. You'll be challenged to live with such love, joy, peace, and integrity that it takes people's breath away and points them straight to Jesus.
What you'll learn:
Why God delights in using the young and inexperienced.
How living out the fruit of the Spirit makes your witness irresistible.
Why the church must be a place of excellence, presence, and transformation.
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here.
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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.
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.
Hello, friend. I hope you're having a good day.
Today's episode is a bit of a history lesson. We're going back to first century Rome, to the time of the apostle Paul and the emperor Nero. Readers of the New Testament have learned a lot from Paul, but the life of Nero offers a critical lesson as well.
What do you do when you've done everything right, but still face an impenetrable wall? In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks the story of Joshua and the Israelites to reveal powerful principles for possessing God's promises-even when obstacles stand in your way. You'll discover why seasons of cutting away are necessary, how to embrace change in new seasons, and the importance of keeping faith when nothing seems to be shifting. You'll leave encouraged to trust God's timing, silence the doubt, and believe for the miraculous.
What you'll learn:
Why every new season requires letting go of something old.
How to keep walking in faith when you see no progress.
Practical ways to silence doubt and stand on God's promises.
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here.
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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.
Resilience isn't built in comfort-it's formed in the fire. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with her longtime friend and pastor, Holly Wagner, for a deeply personal and hope-filled conversation on longevity in leadership, lasting friendships, and staying true to your calling through every season. From pioneering ministry in Los Angeles to transitioning leadership after 35 years, Holly shares wisdom forged through grief, betrayal, church hurt, and hard-won joy. If you've ever felt burned out, bitter, or ready to give up, this conversation will remind you that perseverance is worth it-and that leadership rooted in Jesus will always bear fruit.
SHOW NOTES:
Building a Legacy that Lasts
Holly reflects on 35 years of ministry, the transition of church leadership, and why she's committed to investing in the next generation of leaders.
Leading Through the Hardest Seasons
From losing her father to navigating betrayal, cancer, and church hurt, Holly shares how gratitude, faith, and friendship helped her stay the course.
The Power of Lifelong Friendship
Christine and Holly open up about their 30-year friendship-and how choosing intentionality over convenience has shaped their leadership and healing.
The Trap of Platform Culture
They discuss the dangers of performance-driven ministry and why real transformation begins with humility, not hype.
Leadership Rooted in Jesus, Not Comparison
Holly explains how a global upbringing and grace-filled parenting helped her lead without jealousy, competition, or compromise.
Find Holly on Instagram at @hollywagnerla
Connect with her ministry at sherises.com
Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine
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.
What do you do when life is overwhelming? In this episode, Ruth's sharing a word of encouragement and rehearsing truths that remind us all of the hope we have in Jesus.
If you find this Preach To Yourself (PTY) episode helpful, share it with a friend!
Scripture referenced:
Psalm 42
Lamentations 3:21-23
2 Timothy 2:10-13
Hebrews 13:8
Deuteronomy 7:9
Hebrews 10:23
Resources mentioned:
The Way of the Wildflower: Gospel Meditations to Unburden Your Anxious Soul by Ruth Chou Simons
Hi, friend. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the Encouraging Word Podcast.
If you've been listening to the podcast the past few weeks, you know we're talking about finding a new way of living through better thinking. So maybe you're ready to tackle some of those specific negative thought patterns that weigh us down. Guilt is a big one - all the should haves that hound us. But here's the good news: God has given us a tool to help deal with our guilt.
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!
