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In this special episode from the Back Porch Theology Christmas Tour, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard come together for a warm, hope-filled conversation about faith, waiting, and the meaning of Christmas. Through laughter, Scripture, and personal stories, they explore biblical waiting, from Zechariah and Elizabeth to Simeon and Anna, reminding us that waiting is never wasted and is always part of God's story. Wrap up in a blanket, grab a warm drink, and pull up a chair ~ it's Christmas on the porch.

Merry Christmas, friend! I pray this season brings you joy and peace and the hope that Christ, who came as a baby, is coming again. 

Every day we choose who and what to listen to. There are hundreds of channels on our televisions, millions of people sharing their opinions online. But only one voice will guide you to the Promised Land. Choose to trust the voice of God. 

In this merry-and-brightly honest episode of Back Porch Theology, Allison Allen, Lisa Harper, and Doc H swap stories from their Christmas tour aka their very first bus tour, complete with equal parts joy, Jesus, and questionable sleep schedules.  They unpack a few favorite Christmas myths ~ including the real story behind Santa ~ and trace them back to the faith-filled roots of Saint Nicholas, the wise men, and other traditions woven through the season. Grab something warm to sip, ignore the Christmas to-do list for a minute, and pull up a chair, there's room for you on the porch.

Hello, friend. Thank you for joining me for another Encouraging Word. 

What does trust have to do with greed? According to Joshua chapter 7, quite a lot. This passage reminds us that looking for security in anything or anyone other than God will always let us down. 

Today on the Back Porch, Rabbi Jason sits with Lisa and Allison to journey through identity, covenant, and the God who brings life from barren ground ~ through the pages of Scripture and the pages of their lives. Grab a blanket, pour a warm cup, and come sit with us.

What happens when you look at the world but don't know how to truly see it? In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks the powerful story of Jesus and the sinful woman in Luke 7 to reveal how compassion, not judgment, unlocks the heart of God-and how learning to see through heaven's eyes can transform the way you live and love others. This message will stir you to stop looking away and start running toward the broken world with the love of Jesus.

✨ Listen in & discover:

* How spiritual blindness can keep us from seeing people the way Jesus does

* Why compassion always leads to action

* What it truly means to be the light in a dark world

Get your free Episode Reflection Guide → http://bit.ly/4gx1ZYk

+ + + + 

SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/ChristineCaineSubscribe

ORDER Christine's newest book, Don't Look Back → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine 

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For more great stuff, check out:

LISTEN to Christine Caine's Life and Leadership Podcast→ https://linktr.ee/christinecaine

DONATE to Equip & Empower Ministries: https://linktr.ee/christinecaine

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Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and bestselling author who awakens people everywhere to discover their God-given purpose and live transformed lives for Jesus. Alongside her husband, Nick, she founded A21, a global anti-human trafficking organization that prevents exploitation, recovers victims, and empowers survivors. She also launched Propel Women, an initiative equipping women worldwide to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live confidently in their calling. Through Equip & Empower, Christine activates people everywhere to live on mission for Jesus.

Christine is the author of more than a dozen books and Bible studies, and she holds a Master's Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. For over 30 years, she and Nick have faithfully served the global Church. You can tune into her weekly Equip & Empower and Life & Leadership podcasts for practical insights and encouragement, always pointing to the hope found in Jesus. Christine and Nick live with their daughters, Catherine and Sophia. To learn more about Christine and her resources, visit http://www.christinecaine.com.

Today's episode brings us to a familiar story in the Bible. Maybe you've sung the old song about Joshua fighting the battle of Jericho. But this story is about more than the Hebrews defeating the Canaanites. This is a story about fighting from a place of victory to defeat the strongholds in your life.

You were created to carry the presence of God into your world-right where you are, just as you are. In this special episode, host Christine Caine delivers a powerful Miracle Sunday message on saying "yes" to God's assignment, overcoming fear, and stepping boldly into impossible things through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the story of Mary, Christine challenges listeners to embrace divine purpose, trust God beyond circumstances, and live with joy in a broken world.

For more weekly sermons, subscribe to Christine's Equip & Empower podcast. Find the details at ChristineCaine.com/Podcast

SHOW NOTES:

Living Between the Two Advents

We remember Christ's first coming while longing for His return. This is why believers can face suffering, injustice, and global brokenness with unshakeable hope.

Favor Is For Service, Not Status

Mary is called "highly favored"-but that favor would cost her reputation, relationships, and comfort. True favor is an invitation to participate in God's plan, not a promise of ease.

Overcoming Fear With "Even If" Faith

Mary confronts the fear of the unknown, the fear of loss, and the fear of others' opinions. Christine teaches the shift from "What if?" to "Even if." Even if people misunderstand. Even if it costs something. Even if it stretches you beyond yourself. God is faithful.

When the Calling Is Impossible on Purpose

God doesn't call us to difficult things-He calls us to impossible things that only He can fulfill. Whether like Mary (young and capable) or Elizabeth (older and barren), both required the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

Why We Need Each Other: Mary & Elizabeth

Mary runs to Elizabeth, highlighting how young leaders need spiritual mothers and mature believers need the fire of the younger.

Mary's Song of Joy: Prophesying Your Future

Instead of complaining about cost or difficulty, Mary breaks into prophetic praise-declaring generational blessing over her life. Christine challenges listeners to align their confession with God's promise.

We're spending the last few weeks of 2025 reviewing our TOP 5 MOST DOWNLOADED episodes! We often talk about letting go of the negative labels that people have put on us... but what about the positive ones? What happens when our entire identity is built on the success we achieve in this world... And then we have to lay it all down? Today on the podcast, I have an on-air counseling session with Demi Leigh Tebow, as she opens up about the struggle and depression she felt laying down the crown of Miss Universe... and realizing how much her identity was found in unreliable things. We trace this "self sufficiency" back to her childhood, and unpack some of the patterns that led her to that difficult place ... and the lessons she has learned and continues to learn in placing her identity in Christ alone. There is no label bad enough or great enough worth holding onto ... except what Jesus says. This conversation was so good, and I know you are going to love it as well. Talk To Me: The Debra Fileta Podcast Extras: The Debra Fileta Counselors Network: Book a counseling session at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Debra Fileta Counselors Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started on your healing journey from the inside out TODAY!  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode from the Back Porch Theology Christmas Tour, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard come together for a warm, hope-filled conversation about faith, waiting, and the meaning of Christmas. Through laughter, Scripture, and personal stories, they explore biblical waiting, from Zechariah and Elizabeth to Simeon and Anna, reminding us that waiting is never wasted and is always part of God's story. Wrap up in a blanket, grab a warm drink, and pull up a chair ~ it's Christmas on the porch.

Today on the Back Porch, Rabbi Jason sits with Lisa and Allison to journey through identity, covenant, and the God who brings life from barren ground ~ through the pages of Scripture and the pages of their lives. Grab a blanket, pour a warm cup, and come sit with us.

Did you know you can WATCH "Circle of Friends" as well as listen? We tell you how on today's episode. We'll also hear a heart-warming story of true friendship, 'light' the third Advent candle, and discuss perhaps the most important treat of the season. 

4:00-8:48 - Caroline and Lily Pulitzer, Leigh's aches and pains, and an Oklahoma Christmas.
8:48-15:44 - Christmas friendship story from Denise, www.dailygood.org, and loneliness during the holidays. 15:44-22:41 - The Joy candle of the Advent wreath and Jesus' arrival.
22:41-33:17 - Time with family, Chick-fil-A Peppermint shake (add cookie crumbles), Reindeer games, and candy canes. 

Every leader can grow in their own ability to organize and manage their life and responsibilities. In this episode, John and Wayne talk about ways to do just that. They discuss things like the myth of balance, conquering clutter, tools you should use daily and much more. 

Follow us on Instagram for more great leadership content: Pastor John (@johnsiebeling), Pastor Wayne (@waynefrancis), Podcast (@leadershipinblackandwhite). Order your copy of John and Wayne's book, God and Race, at godandrace.com.

You were created to carry the presence of God into your world-right where you are, just as you are. In this special episode, host Christine Caine delivers a powerful Miracle Sunday message on saying "yes" to God's assignment, overcoming fear, and stepping boldly into impossible things through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the story of Mary, Christine challenges listeners to embrace divine purpose, trust God beyond circumstances, and live with joy in a broken world.

For more weekly sermons, subscribe to Christine's Equip & Empower podcast. Find the details at ChristineCaine.com/Podcast

SHOW NOTES:

Living Between the Two Advents

We remember Christ's first coming while longing for His return. This is why believers can face suffering, injustice, and global brokenness with unshakeable hope.

Favor Is For Service, Not Status

Mary is called "highly favored"-but that favor would cost her reputation, relationships, and comfort. True favor is an invitation to participate in God's plan, not a promise of ease.

Overcoming Fear With "Even If" Faith

Mary confronts the fear of the unknown, the fear of loss, and the fear of others' opinions. Christine teaches the shift from "What if?" to "Even if." Even if people misunderstand. Even if it costs something. Even if it stretches you beyond yourself. God is faithful.

When the Calling Is Impossible on Purpose

God doesn't call us to difficult things-He calls us to impossible things that only He can fulfill. Whether like Mary (young and capable) or Elizabeth (older and barren), both required the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

Why We Need Each Other: Mary & Elizabeth

Mary runs to Elizabeth, highlighting how young leaders need spiritual mothers and mature believers need the fire of the younger.

Mary's Song of Joy: Prophesying Your Future

Instead of complaining about cost or difficulty, Mary breaks into prophetic praise-declaring generational blessing over her life. Christine challenges listeners to align their confession with God's promise.

The fruit of the Spirit is... JOY. Join Ruth for this episode, meditating on Scripture about joy and its true source.

All summer long, join us in meditating on what it means to abide and consider the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. These short episodes, full of Scripture, are designed to be an opportunity to pause and realign your heart with truth.

Scripture referenced:
Galatians 5:22-23
Psalm 37:4
Proverbs 15:13-15
Philippians 4:4
James 1:2-3
John 15:10-11

Resources:
GraceLaced Fruit of the Spirit Collection
(gracelaced.com/FOTS)- use code POD15 to take 15% off items in the collection

Today on the Back Porch, we welcome Rabbi Jason Sobel for a porch-side chat about how the threads of Scripture ~ Old and New ~ braid into one story pointing to Jesus's divine identity and mission. We sit with His self-emptying love (kenosis), where humility becomes strength, and find ourselves drawn into shalom - the wholeness, peace, and restoration secured by the cross and resurrection. Pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

Today on the Back Porch, we're trading ham for turkey, dressing for stuffing debates, and canned jelly for fresh cranberries as we talk all things Thanksgiving ~ and the deeper gratitude that outlasts the leftovers. We'll name some hard seasons and the surprising ways God's goodness has met us there, reminding us that gratitude isn't denial ~ it's defiant hope. Take a breather from the Thanksgiving prep, pull up a chair, and join us as we count kernels of kindness from a faithful God.

We are mid-Christmas tour but taking a break to be with YOU and our NEW show jingle is here! Put a short hold on wrapping presents and baking cookies, make yourself a nice cup of cocoa, and spend a few minutes in the circle. You'll hear about our time meeting new friends in Dallas, the world's most powerful purse-sized fan, and Advent encouragement. Not necessarily in that order! 

3:45-9:04 - New jingle and road life. 

9:04-17:18 - New friends from the Digging In Women's Conference. 

17:18-22:15 - Advent Week 2. 

22:15-31:57 - Exercise, C.S. Lewis, and the Heayzoki Portable Handheld Turbo Fan.

Your life isn't meant to stagnate-it's meant to overflow with purpose, conviction, and the life of Christ. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with author and spiritual formation leader Ann Voskamp for a deeply moving conversation about living "given," guarding against spiritual drift, cultivating a heart of compassion, and staying anchored in Scripture in a distracted world. Ann shares her journey from global activism to deep soul formation-and why believers must reclaim intentional, Scripture-shaped living. If you're hungry to grow in spiritual depth and purpose, this episode will stir your heart.

SHOW NOTES:

A Friendship Formed in the Unexpected

Christine and Ann revisit their years at Wheaton, how two women from opposite ends of the world became spiritual sisters, and the shared passion for Jesus that bonded them instantly.

Seeing the Marginalized Through God's Eyes

Ann reflects on her first global trip to Guatemala City, experiencing the heartbreak of injustice, and discovering that gratitude must overflow into activism. Christine and Ann recall their shared work with A21 and the Roma community in Bulgaria.

The Call to Live "Given"

A powerful discussion on becoming a conduit, not a reservoir-why gifts from God are meant to flow through us, not be hoarded. They explore how generosity keeps the soul alive and how withholding can slowly deaden the heart.

Fighting Drift: One-Degree At a Time

Ann unpacks the danger of slow spiritual drift and why intentionality, Scripture saturation, and Christ-centered community are essential. Christine shares how many leaders fall not by sudden rebellion but by subtle neglect.

Formation for the Battle

Ann describes her doctoral work in spiritual formation and soul care, reframing spiritual disciplines as "means of the Spirit," not self-powered effort. They discuss how formation fuels mission-and why activists burn out without deep roots in Jesus.

Urgency, Eternity, and the Abundant Life Now

Christine and Ann discuss numbering our days, rejecting distraction culture, and embracing the abundant life Jesus offers today-not someday.

Find Ann on Instagram at @annvoskamp