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.
+ + + + +
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.
+ + + + +
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!
-
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!
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.
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!
-
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.
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.
Candace and Lisa get practical about why many of us feel exhausted-physically, emotionally, and spiritually-and how a biblical view of the body of Christ can ease the overwhelm. From "room mom" confessions to spiritual gift tests, burnout, and the courage to receive help, they show how community can literally help your body heal.
Candace shares a vulnerable story about leaving The View and how Val stepped in to get her home, while Lisa reflects on pride, strength, and learning to receive prayer. Listener questions on friendship and modesty round out a heartfelt, hope-filled conversation that points to next steps you can take today.
Listener Questions Featured:
Kristen: "I still struggle finding friends in my community. Any advice?"
Jacqueline: "What role should parents play in encouraging modesty in fashion?"
Next step: Download The Whole Body Guide (free) at Candace.com-your companion for Season 11's themes-plus find Lisa's Body & Soul Bible study in the show notes. We're better together!
Kari and Cody Carnes join Levi and Jennie for a heartwarming and joy-filled conversation about faith, family, and the unexpected moments that shape their journey. From their son Kingston's incredible story of stepping onto the worship stage at just six years old to Canyon's thoughtful spiritual depth, this episode paints a beautiful picture of raising kids in ministry while keeping family at the center.
The couples also share hilarious and awe-inspiring adventures-from Glacier National Park hikes without snacks or water (thank God for angelic cliff bar encounters!) to bear sightings and summer nights in Montana. Along the way, they dive into songwriting, the upcoming Passion tour, what God is teaching them through Scripture and prayer, and why pure worship matters more than ever.
Connect with us on social!
Kari: @karijobe
Cody: @codycarnes
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Listen to Kari on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3V40gQH
Listen to Kari on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/46z2ixB
Listen to Cody on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4m3Bhry
Listen to Cody on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/3VEpR2F
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
0:01:24 - Kingston's journey from pots and pans to the worship stage
0:06:53 - Preparing for tour with Passion and Louie Giglio's new book
0:13:00 - Hiking Glacier without snacks or water (and the angelic cliff bar)
0:16:15 - Grizzly bears at full sprint: the wildest Montana moment
0:19:00 - Raising kids who hear from God and carry spiritual depth
0:24:05 - Lessons from 2 Kings and the call to pure worship
Content creator and evangelist Bryce Crawford joins Levi and Jennie for a joy-soaked, faith-filled conversation that moves from "communion-flavored" energy drinks to the moment Jesus met him at a Waffle House and rerouted his life. Bryce opens up about anxiety, depression, and the night everything changed, plus why hugs, listening, and Scripture are his go-to tools for sharing the gospel in everyday moments.
You'll also hear the heart behind his street conversations and live podcast nights, the hunger he's seeing in Gen Z for God's Word, and a powerful story of prayer, healing, and a man finding his way home. It's playful, honest, and deeply encouraging-an episode to replay when you need courage to love people where they are.
Connect with us on social!
Bryce: @brycecrawford
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusk
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
See Bryce on Tour: https://bit.ly/3KfYqK0
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
03:15 - The Waffle House encounter that changed everything
06:35 - From phone sermons to "Jesus in the Street"
15:38 - A street-corner conversation, a healing, and a homecoming
20:21 - When faith costs
21:28 - Gen Z's hunger for God's Word
22:01 - Live podcast nights: cities, worship, what to expect
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!
Today's episode is another example of the ancient and ever Story of the Bible meeting us in our current, modern, right now stories and lives. Our central pearl today is found in James 1:1-2. Some scholars believe that the book of the James was the FIRST book of the New Testament ever penned under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. If this is the case, the first author of the New Testament writings was none other than Jesus' half-brother James.
If the first two verses of the New Testament are indeed James 1:1-2, it is interesting that both "joy" and "trial" are located in these verses. We have known both in this life. The Jewish people have a long history and rich culture of embracing celebration and lament together. The two do not need to be separated because life does not separate them. We can know moments of great celebration and joy and still feel the sting of lament and trial during it.
While I was studying in Israel I heard the phrase, "Laughter is our protest". We protest hopelessness and gloom with laughter anchored in hopefulness. In other words, we learn to not only experience joy, but a deeper defiant joy.
I end today's episode with a recent and very personal story in my own life about practicing defiant joy with my community. We had the chance for lament and celebration to live side by side with us and we shared one special night where laughter was our protest.
Many of us have grown up with some sense of daily Bible reading. Some call it a "quiet time," while others think of it as daily Bible study or Bible reading. The Scriptures are a feast. They are meant to be experienced, taken into our hearts and lives, trusting they will do their work in us.
The Jewish people refer to their daily ready of Scripture as the daily parashah. Parashah carries the idea of "portion." Daily Bible reading is like eating our daily parashah or portion of biblical food.
Today we are going to look at the water stories of the Bible within their ancient cultural context. Believe it or not we are going to string pearls from Genesis 1 all the way to Revelation 21 & 22. How did the Jewish people and ancient world view water? What were the waters in Genesis 1? What does it mean in Revelation 21 that there will be no sea in heaven?
I am so excited to string these biblical pearls together with you today. We are most definitely getting ready to see that the Living God is BETTER than we ever knew.