On today's episode of the Back Porch, Lisa and Allison share New Year's Eve memories, talk about gratitude, and reflect on the hope that comes from remembering God's faithfulness. They explore the crossing of the Jordan in Joshua and the practice of creating "Ebenezer" stones to mark God's work. Join us on the porch as we look back with gratitude and forward with hope, we're so glad you're here!
As 2025 comes to an end, Ruth takes time to answer listener questions in this special Q&A episode.
Scripture referenced:
Genesis 3
Resources mentioned:
Lamplighter Rare Collector's Series
Foundations by Ruth and Troy Simons
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 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.
The Lusko kids join Levi and Jennie for a cozy, hilarious, end-of-2025 family episode-full of memories, real talk, and the kind of side comments only siblings can pull off. Together they look back on the year's big moments: college life, tennis wins, learner's permits, a meaningful baptism, and the wild joy of serving together.
You'll hear the behind-the-scenes of the Bolivia mission trip (including travel chaos and a few very memorable mishaps), plus a rapid-fire stroll through favorite podcast episodes, sermon series that hit home, and the books/music that shaped the year. They wrap it all by looking ahead to 2026 with practical goals and spiritual rhythms.
Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Gospels in a year (Print Ed.): https://bit.ly/4pQG2HN
Gospels in a year (Digital Ed.): https://bit.ly/3L4HSWm
Movement 2026: https://www.mvmnt26.com
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
Time Stamps
0:01:07 - New Year's as a "holy day" and old-school traditions
0:03:38 - 2025 family updates: college, baptism, tennis, and big milestones
0:08:34 - Bolivia mission trip stories: Compassion kids + travel mayhem
0:13:07 - Favorite podcast moments from the year (and the unforgettable ones)
0:15:07 - Blessed Are the Spiraling launch: 7 cities, 7 days, 7 runs
0:26:35 - What God taught them in 2025 + 2026 goals and a Gospels plan
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.
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.
Have you ever felt like the storm should have taken you out? In this episode, Christine Caine walks through Acts 27-28 and shows how the apostle Paul survived a storm, a shipwreck, and a snake bite-all because he refused to give up. With powerful encouragement, Christine reminds you that even when your journey doesn't go as planned, God still has a purpose for you-right where you are.
What you'll learn:
- How to endure trials without internalizing the pain.
- Why revival often comes in unexpected places.
- What it takes to keep moving forward after you've been bitten.
This is part of our Resilient Hope Summer series - real talk and encouragement to keep your faith strong in every season.
Don't forget to grab your free Episode Reflection Guide here!
P.S. We made a bonus resource for you this summer. Download your free 'Hope Kit' now!
+ + + + +
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.
On today's episode of the Back Porch, Lisa and Allison share New Year's Eve memories, talk about gratitude, and reflect on the hope that comes from remembering God's faithfulness. They explore the crossing of the Jordan in Joshua and the practice of creating "Ebenezer" stones to mark God's work. Join us on the porch as we look back with gratitude and forward with hope, we're so glad you're here!
Leadership will stretch you-but it doesn't have to break you. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with powerhouse author and leader Lisa Bevere for a raw and hope-filled conversation about resilience, identity, and longevity in leadership. Lisa opens up about decades of ministry - the highs, heartbreaks, and hard-won wisdom - that shaped her into a woman who still leads with fire and tenderness. If you've ever wondered how to keep showing up when you feel unseen or worn out, this episode will give you courage to stay the course and lead with your whole heart.
SHOW NOTES:
Leading Through Longevity
Lisa shares how decades of saying "yes" to God through changing seasons has forged her character, deepened her faith, and built a legacy that lasts.
Boldness and Brokenness Can Coexist
Lisa and Christine talk about how courage doesn't mean pretending everything is fine-and why vulnerability is essential for healthy leadership.
Battling Comparison and Insecurity
Lisa reveals how she overcame comparison in the early years of ministry and learned to fully embrace her unique voice and assignment.
Staying Tender While Staying Strong
They unpack how to stay soft toward people and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, even when leadership requires tough calls and deep sacrifice.
The Secret to Longevity in Leadership
Christine and Lisa reflect on how intimacy with Jesus-not platform, production, or pressure-is the only sustainable source of strength.
Follow Lisa Bevere on Instagram at @lisabevere
Find her books and resources at lisabevere.com
Too many people are trying to live the Christian life without a healthy fear of God, but without that ingredient your faith will be stunted.
John Bevere and his wife Lisa are the founders of Messenger International a ministry committed to developing uncompromising followers of Christ. His heart to strengthen the local church has led to over 60 million translated resources being given away in developing nations. He shares how the awe of God is not a topic you hear much about these days, but if you want a faith that stands strong through troubled times, you cannot afford to ignore this biblical call.
Get John's new book "The Awe of God".
Pick up Matt's book "Truth Plus Love".
For more from Matt Brown, and to receive our free gift "5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God" go to: Thinke.org
In this episode, John and Wayne interview special guest Pastor Chad Veach of Zoe Church in Los Angeles. Chad is a world-renown speaker and pastor with tremendous influence in the body of Christ. They talk to him about communication, leadership, stewarding influence, church life and more.
Follow us on Instagram for more great leadership content: Pastor John (@johnsiebeling), Pastor Wayne (@waynefrancis), Podcast (@leadershipinblackandwhite). Leave a rating and review to give us your feedback and help the show continue to grow.
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.
The Lusko kids join Levi and Jennie for a cozy, hilarious, end-of-2025 family episode-full of memories, real talk, and the kind of side comments only siblings can pull off. Together they look back on the year's big moments: college life, tennis wins, learner's permits, a meaningful baptism, and the wild joy of serving together.
You'll hear the behind-the-scenes of the Bolivia mission trip (including travel chaos and a few very memorable mishaps), plus a rapid-fire stroll through favorite podcast episodes, sermon series that hit home, and the books/music that shaped the year. They wrap it all by looking ahead to 2026 with practical goals and spiritual rhythms.
Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Gospels in a year (Print Ed.): https://bit.ly/4pQG2HN
Gospels in a year (Digital Ed.): https://bit.ly/3L4HSWm
Movement 2026: https://www.mvmnt26.com
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
Time Stamps
0:01:07 - New Year's as a "holy day" and old-school traditions
0:03:38 - 2025 family updates: college, baptism, tennis, and big milestones
0:08:34 - Bolivia mission trip stories: Compassion kids + travel mayhem
0:13:07 - Favorite podcast moments from the year (and the unforgettable ones)
0:15:07 - Blessed Are the Spiraling launch: 7 cities, 7 days, 7 runs
0:26:35 - What God taught them in 2025 + 2026 goals and a Gospels plan
Pastor Wayne has returned from his first ever sabbatical! In this episode, we talk about it. What did he do? What did he learn? We also talk in depth about what a sabbatical is and what it is not and how we have started to implement a sabbatical culture in our church. Follow us on Instagram for more great leadership content: Pastor John (@johnsiebeling), Pastor Wayne (@waynefrancis), Podcast (@leadershipinblackandwhite). Leave a rating and review to give us your feedback and help the show continue to grow!
At the end of the day, every pastor wants their church to grow - not just to have a big church - but to reach the people in their community, to serve a city, to do something significant for God. And while there is no exact formula for growing a church, there are certainly things that may be hindering your growth that you might be missing. In this episode, Pastors John and Wayne discuss 10 reasons your church might not be growing right now. Follow the show on Instagram here: @leadershipinblackandwhite. The background check service referenced in this episode is called Protect My Ministry.
Most of us want to see God do more in the world around us but we don't understand that God needs to first work in us and that will affect others.
Kenny Luck is a pastor at Crossline Church in Laguna Hills, California. He is the author of 24 books covering marriage, family, and men's issues. He is the leader of Every Man Global LIVESTREAM and podcasts. He is currently on the Dangerous Good Tour in cities across the country empowering men to be dangerous with goodness and equipping them to have a positive impact on their families and communities. He shares how we can live from the overflow and set the Holy Spirit loose in the world around us.
Check out Kenny's book "Overflow"
Pick up Matt's book "Truth Plus Love"
For more from Matt Brown, and to receive our free gift "5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God" go to: Thinke.org
You're invited to take a trip down the 2025 Memory Lane with us. Laughs, reflection, and big plans for the New Year!
2:07-9:22 - Favorite Point of Grace group memory.
9:22-14:04 - Favorite personal 2025 memory.
14:04-18:20 - Liberty University graduation.
18:20-19:27 - Circle up with tips and tricks.
19:27-20:56 - NYX Lip products.
20:56-23:02 - Night Vision Driving Glasses.
23:02-26:27 - Cherry Coke Zero.
26:27-38:12 - New Years Resolutions.