Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

Rebecca George discusses the power of embracing weakness and surrendering them to God. Balancing grace and self-discipline in our lives is important as we strive for God's glory. They emphasize embracing weakness as the path to success and encourage focusing on God in brokenness. The ultimate calling of a Christ follower is to make disciples, without striving or burnout. Gain valuable insights on living a life of surrender and obedience to God!

Stephanie dives into the question asked by Jesus, "Have you not read the Scriptures?" and how it emphasizes the importance of looking for Jesus in every passage of the Old Testament. She invites you to take an in-depth look at all five instances where Jesus asks this question in the Gospel of Matthew and encourages you to find Jesus in the Old Testament. The episode highlights how Jesus used the Old Testament to point to himself as the answer to all things, with specific examples of his interactions with the Pharisees, chief priests, and the Sadducees. Look for Jesus in every passage and discover how even the Pharisees, who were highly familiar with the Scriptures, failed to see the significance of Jesus' statement. Tune in for a quiet and centered experience with in-depth biblical flavors, along with a touch of French culture.COMING UP SOON!Stephanie mentions our two upcoming series: Starting soon, we will dive deep into the meaning and practice of REST. Then, in October, we will enter the Gospel of Matthew through the lens of the first century Jewish culture. You will be invited to experience fresh flavors for a spiritual explosion of delight in Christ! Stay tuned and make sure to follow and subscribe to access every new episode.GO DEEPER AND STUDY ON YOUR OWN | ADDRESSES AND REFERENCES STEPHANIE USES IN THIS EPISODEMatthew 12:3 and 5 - referencing 1 Samuel 21:1-6 - also described in luke 6:3Matthew 19:4 - quoting Genesis 2:24Matthew 21:16 - quoting Psalm 8:2Matthew 21:42 - quoting Psalm 118:22-23 - also described in Mark 12:10Matthew 22:31 - quoting Exodus 6, 15-16 - also described in Mark 12:26NEW BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND1. How can we train ourselves to see Jesus in every passage of the Old Testament?2. What was the significance of Jesus asking the Pharisees "Have you not read the Scriptures?" What did it reveal about them and their understanding of Scripture?3. How does understanding the Old Testament better help us understand and appreciate the New Testament?4. How can we use Scripture to point to Jesus like he did in his interactions with the Pharisees, chief priests, and the Sadducees?5. How does understanding marriage as a human analogy help us understand our relationship with God?6. Are there other human analogies we can use to help us understand our relationship with God?7. How can we make sure we are reading Scripture through the lens of Jesus' teachings and example?8. Can you share a personal experience of when reading the Old Testament helped you better understand the teachings of Jesus?9. What is the significance of the question "Have you not read the Scriptures?" in Matthew's Gospel as a whole?10. How can we continue to deepen our understanding of Scripture and our relationship with God beyond the fall series focused on the Gospel of Matthew?This series is an invitation to immerse yourself in the various ways God communicates to us, and us to Him. So pay attention, He is here and willing to whisper in your ear.A word of caution: don’t come to Scripture with the agenda of finding yourself there. Right now we are going to take Scripture in. Like breathing, like eating, like smelling a flower. Don’t come to Scripture with the agenda of finding yourself there. Come with the firm intention of discovering God instead. And then Scripture will never disappoint. God promises to be found in the places where He dwells – His Word especially. And in the process, you will undoubtedly find yourself as you find Him. So as we enter the hallowed pages of Scripture together, through a humble doorway and a very simple story, ask yourself: what is this telling me about Jesus?THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY!First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact.Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast. And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly. We covet your prayers for our ministry, the thousands we reach, and our team! Contact us to let us know you are praying for us!NEW!Another way to partner with us is to purchase our workbooks and online Bible studies. We keep them at the lowest possible cost, but they require a lot of work from us! For example, - a complete Bible Study requires an average of 500 man-hours. - a workbook for a series requires almost 100 man-hours.MORE ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FINANCIALLY:Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status.Our goal is to provide in-depth, high-quality, free Bible resources for all. They are free, but expensive to create! We need your financial support to keep producing and distributing them. Please pay Gospel Spice forward today! For example, a podcast episode takes close to 10 hours of work (and we release 2 each week). They come to you completely free, but we would truly love your support.We want the money to go to those who really need it. Once our operating costs are paid, 100% of your donation is redistributed to our partners who fight human trafficking. Each year, we aim to give as much as we can. For example, Stephanie works more than full time for Gospel Spice, entirely for free. All board members and volunteers are donating time. We limit our operational expenses to the bare minimum.Your pay-it-forward donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170.We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. Thank you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogDo you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us. 1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you!4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you!So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions:1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

A serious diagnosis took Lori Ann Wood on a faith detour she never saw coming. As a lifelong believer, she felt profound disappointment in the God she thought she knew. Wanting answers, but more than anything, needing permission to ask the questions, she took the risky decision to embrace those difficult questions. She shares her hard-won insights today on Gospel Spice.Lori Ann was raised by a mother who strongly believed in God, but she didn't initially feel the same conviction towards faith. Lori Ann compared faith to how people have different tastes and preferences with cilantro, with some believing without a doubt, while others may come to faith through questioning. Lori Ann embraced her unique perspective and believes that God does not think less of her for it.Lori Ann’s journey towards faith began after she was diagnosed with heart failure. She was given a journal to write out questions and complaints to God during uncertain and difficult times, and it eventually turned into a blog where she started sharing spiritual content. People related to her spiritual struggles, and Lori Ann saw a connection between her questions and Jesus' temptations in the desert, which helped frame the content of her book, Divine Detours, into three questions to deepen one's faith.During the episode, Lori Ann discussed three important questions related to faith: the question of worry, the question of doubt, and the question of control. She admitted to struggling with the latter due to her natural tendency towards planning and control. However, she believes that Jesus is the perfect companion, friend, savior, and God who can help us through our unbelief.Lori Ann also reflected on the value of asking questions and how they wish they had instilled this value in their younger self and their own children. Lori Ann believes that questions are an important part of their faith journey, referencing how Jesus used questions in his teachings.BONUS | GO DEEPER WITH QUESTIONS, ALONE OR WITH A FRIEND.Lori Ann invites us to ask deep questions fearlessly. Here are a few to come alongside your own journey!1. What was your biggest takeaway from Lori Ann Wood's story?2. Do you relate more to the idea of faith coming easily or through questioning? Why?3. How do you think Lori Ann’s struggle with illness impacted her faith journey?4. Have you ever struggled with any of the three questions Lori Ann posed (worry, doubt, control)? How did you overcome them?5. What do you think it means to "ask questions" in relation to faith? How can questioning faith strengthen it?6. What insights did you gain from Lori Ann’s reflections on her book and her journey as an author?7. How do you feel about the comparison between faith and cilantro? Do you see any parallels between the two?8. Have you ever felt like the woman who touched Jesus's cloak and was healed? What parallels do you see between that story and your own faith journey?9. Do you agree with the idea that asking for healing (spiritual, emotional, relational, or physical) is important and that God is not afraid of people's questions?10. In what ways can we cultivate a closer relationship with God and deepen our faith? How do you plan to do this?DISCOVER LORI ANN’S BOOK, DIVINE DETOURWHAT – Divine Detour is a book of relatable essays that gently guides the reader to confront the three most important questions of her life—the three questions every life must answer.WHEN – Divine Detour is an invitation to explore the questions of worry, doubt, and control that always surface when a Christian finds himself on a path he didn’t choose.WHO – Divine Detour is for the believer who hits a snag in her careful life plan and starts to wonder if her faith is any good at all: the career has evaporated overnight, the adult child has turned his back on his family, the marriage vows have worn paper thin.WHY – Heart failure patient and award-winning essayist Lori Ann Wood confronts faith’s three most menacing questions of worry, doubt, and control, and discovers hope for anyone on an unexpected path.Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Detour-choose-always-wanted/dp/1936501759/ MEET LORI ANN WOODLORI ANN WOOD lives in the shadow of the Ozark Mountains in beautiful Bentonville, Arkansas, with her husband, the unsuspecting guy she chased all the way from ninth grade to grad school. She is mom to three world-changing young adults, one impressive son-in-law (who all live too far away) and a miniature dachshund named Pearl (who threatens to never leave). Her new favorite role is appropriately spoiling her granddaughter Hazel.Read more from her at loriannwood.com.We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogIdentity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Do you feel restless, anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, fearful, ashamed? Are you currently traversing a desert of despair? Or, are you in a season of plenty, joy, fullness and harvest? Whenever we experience life crises and difficulties, we can choose to pursue God deeper, or the relentless drift of events will cause us to move away from Him. It's a matter of perspective. Knowing Jesus is the only way to survive life. He invites us to experience Him in seasons of rest, summer, and plenty - where we hope you find yourself today - as well as in seasons of loneliness, desert, hardship and failure - where we have all been, and where we will probably find ourselves again at some point. Stephanie invites you to consider another angle to your pain and suffering during your pilgrimage on earth: what if seeking deeper intimacy with God was the secret to living life to the fullest? And, if you have heard this a million times and it sounds stale to you, what if this episode rekindled your perspective on your current life today?We need to learn how to cling to Jesus, because He alone can carry us through the inevitable hardships of life. The presence of God is the reason why we seek to know Jesus, and the way we experience Him in our lives. God created us to experience intimacy with Him, and to enjoy Him. So, today, Stephanie invites us to ponder Moses' statement, "Show me Your glory" as an unexpected answer to Jesus' question, "Who touched Me?" which we experienced in our previous episode (see episode 224). Stephanie uses several insights from C.S. Lewis to draw us into deeper understanding of ourselves, our world, and ultimately, God Himself. We are living in the "shadowlands" and Jesus invites us, through Him, to get a glimpse of "real life" as defined by Heaven. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogIdentity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/GOD'S GLORY, OUR DELIGHT | THE GOSPEL SPICE SERIESDelighting in the glory of God. Does this concept strike you as reserved for spiritual contemplatives? What if, instead, it proved the highly practical, deeply foundational perspective you need right now?Why does God’s glory even matter in our day and age? How can we learn from Jesus to make His glory our true North and lifelong quest? What keeps us from fully stepping into this God-ordained purpose for our life? How do we kindle delight for God on a daily basis? And, once we have embraced God’s glory as our heart’s true delight, how can we then come alongside others?Join us to cultivate a sincere delight for God’s glory, rooted in an honest, hard look at the depth of our need, and in the much deeper Reality of His grace. Trace the glory of God through Scripture and in your own life. Behold the exact radiance of God’s glory, revealed in Jesus. Learn to see yourself as Christ does—through the lens of the Father’s love at the cross. Jesus offers to overwhelm our deadly self-centeredness with His resurrection power. He carries us every step of the way, even as He calls us to true humility on the path to glory.Who has time to cultivate the delight that comes from pondering the glory of God? And yet, nothing could be more urgent today. Marthas and Marys, Peters and Johns—we are all invited to dare to dream of a lifestyle of God-centered delight. Nothing could be more practical.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Do you feel like other moms have it all together, while you struggle silently? Are you really enjoying the journey of parenthood… or are you just trying to survive? You are not alone! You want so much to be a "good" mom. Yet, you're afraid you aren't. There's hope. You are on the right track. Alli Worthington joins Stephanie today to address the mom who is ready to live a life outside the unachievable cliche of “Supermom” – regardless of the season of life you are in. This is NOT a conversation about parenting – this is a conversation about your personal wellbeing as you navigate motherhood. It is about your own wellness, so that you can love others well. It is about embracing a healthy mom mindset.So, whether you are considering starting a family, or whether your adult children are now raising their own babies, this conversation is for you! Also, this conversation will be eye-opening to all the men who want to understand how the moms in their lives struggle to hold it all together. Do you have a sister, daughter, or wife who is a mom too? This is for you!If you’ve forgotten what it means to care for yourself while caring for others, this conversation is for you.If you want to feel energized by motherhood, this conversation is for you.If you constantly feel weighed down by mom guilt, this conversation is for you.If you can’t stop comparing yourself to other moms, this conversation is for you.If you’re looking for ways to protect your emotional, spiritual, and physical health, this conversation is for you.If you can’t break the cycle of pleasing others, this conversation is for you.If you crave more meaningful relationships with your children, this conversation is for you.Alli tells us, “Drop the “good mom” myths that have been stealing your happiness. Rediscover the beautiful, joy-filled, sacred and secret art of confident motherhood.” If you’re ready to rewrite the parts of motherhood that are stressful and exhausting so you can raise your little–or not-so-little–humans with a healthy mom mindset, it’s time to discover the secret art of confident motherhood.MORE ABOUT “REMAINING YOU WHILE RAISING THEM”You’re allowed to enjoy motherhood- and pursue it in your own unique way.Remaining You While Raising Them will give you tools and a framework you can return to over and over as you pursue a life you love while raising children you love.Alli says, “I know you want to be a wonderful mother. And you're worried you aren't. Whether you arrived at motherhood by birth, adoption, or marriage, you want to get it right. Me too. I spent too many years caught in the trap of lies that surround modern motherhood. I want more for you than that. You're worth it! This book will reassure you that you ARE worth it and give you the tools to enjoy motherhood more! Remaining You While Raising Them, may just change your life.”PREORDER TODAY FOR ALL SORTS OF BONUS CONTENTMore at https://alliworthington.com/remaining-you-while-raising-themBONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER, ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND1. Have you ever felt overwhelmed or guilty after reading parenting books? How did it affect your parenting approach?2. How do you think our own emotional and spiritual health as mothers impacts our relationship with our children?3. Have you ever felt pressure to live up to societal expectations as a mother? How did you navigate through that pressure?4. What have been some of the challenges and joys you've experienced as your children have grown older?5. How do you define "mom guilt" and why do you think so many mothers experience it? How can we combat mom guilt in our own lives?6. What are some ways that we unintentionally hinder our children's development by trying to do everything for them?7. How can we find a balance between being a supportive parent and allowing our children to experience their own struggles and failures?8. Alli and Stephanie discuss the importance of experiencing God's love and understanding in the midst of pain. Have you ever gone through a period of feeling abandoned by God? How did you work through that?9. How can we create a safe space for our children to be honest about their own doubts, disappointments, and feelings towards God?10. How can we model resilience and faithfulness to our children, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?ALLI WORTHINGTON SHARES HER STORY“Who doesn’t love a good rags to riches story? Yep, that’s how it started for me. Ten years ago, we lost everything when my husband’s job came to a sudden and drastic end. That’s when I got very, very serious about figuring out how to create a business on the Internet and started my own online business. I have co-founded BlissDom and BlissDom Canada, the single largest international women’s small business conference in the world (now that was a mouthful!) I also co-founded and served as the CCO (Chief Creative Officer) of Blissful Media Group. And it all started when I founded the magazine for women, Blissfully Domestic. Through these major events, I’ve helped thousands of men and women start successful businesses online. I was a consultant and strategist who has worked with and advised Fortune 500 companies and small businesses, from tech companies to your favorite household brands. My book, Breaking Busy, has helped thousands of women break out of cycles of busyness and find purpose and happiness in this crazy world.Fierce Faith: A Woman's Guide to Fighting Fear, Wrestling Worry, and Overcoming Anxiety launched January 2018. I served as the founding COO for Propel Women from 2014-2018…”More at https://alliworthington.com/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Stephanie invites you to explore a fascinating question posed by Jesus: "Who touched Me?" She discusses the importance of physical touch and using the five senses to bridge theory and reality. Starting with the healing of the woman who touched Jesus' garment to heal herself, Stephanie invites us to ponder the ramifications of this woman’s state when she subsequently found herself being questioned by Him as to who had touched Him.Stephanie invites you into a life that emphasizes the power of faith in Christ, drawing a connection between the shame linked to the woman's blood discharge and the shame Jesus endured on the cross while his blood was poured out for the many. She encourages you to build public declaration of faith, to place faith in the right person, namely, Christ, and to not oversimplify the issue of faith and healing. She discusses how not everyone is healed and how Jesus forced the woman seeking healing to publicly acknowledge herself, which is related to the healing process and overcoming shame. The symbolic significance of Jewish garments is also highlighted, especially the iconic tassels that Jewish men still wear today at the four corners of their garment. What does it tell us about God, heaven, and ourselves in Christ?NEW BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND1. What role does Jesus' question "who touched me?" play in the story?2. How does the woman’s act of touching the hem of Jesus’ garment demonstrate her faith?3. What do the tassels on Jewish garments symbolize in the context of this story?4. What is the significance of public acknowledgement and confession in relation to healing and overcoming shame?5. How does physical touch play a role in the healing process?6. Why do you think not everyone is healed?7. What does placing faith in the right person mean in the context of this story?8. In what ways can our five senses help us bridge the gap between theory and reality in our faith journey?9. What is the connection between the woman’s healing and receiving the Holy Spirit?10. How can we apply the lessons from this story to our own lives and experiences with faith and healing? This series is an invitation to immerse yourself in the various ways God communicates to us, and us to Him. So pay attention, He is here and willing to whisper in your ear.A word of caution: don’t come to Scripture with the agenda of finding yourself there. Right now we are going to take Scripture in. Like breathing, like eating, like smelling a flower. Don’t come to Scripture with the agenda of finding yourself there. Come with the firm intention of discovering God instead. And then Scripture will never disappoint. God promises to be found in the places where He dwells – His Word especially. And in the process, you will undoubtedly find yourself as you find Him. So as we enter the hallowed pages of Scripture together, through a humble doorway and a very simple story, ask yourself: what is this telling me about Jesus?We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogIdentity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Stephanie welcomes Catherine Larson to discuss how we can learn from children to nurture a sense of wonder in our own lives, a Christlike childlikeness, even amidst the busy lives of parenting and everyday life with children. This conversation invites all of us, whether we have young children at home or not, to cultivate the wonder that will allow us to enter deeper in intimacy with God every day.A busy author, homemaker, and mother of six young boys, Catherine invites us to enjoy how children use their five senses to enter their appreciation for God's creation. She challenges us to use playfulness to enter the world as children, focusing on positive moments instead of frustrations. She shares her own tips to nurture wonder in our kids and in ourselves, like for example the creation of personal space for children to experience quiet time, and taking a Sabbath day for rest and renewal. She reminds us of our God-given need for church community and connection, and the paradoxical use of technology in connecting and isolating people.BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER, ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND1. What are some ways in which children can help us grow in our faith and relationship with God?2. How can play and experiencing the world through a child's eyes help us release our worries and be more present in the moment?3. What is your opinion on taking a Sabbath day for rest and renewal as suggested by the speaker?4. In what ways has technology both isolated and connected you with others, and which of these have you found to be more helpful?5. How has COVID-19 impacted your sense of community and the importance of fellowship?6. In what ways do you intentionally seek out opportunities to connect with others and build relationships?7. Have you ever considered journaling and recording prayers and love notes for your child during pregnancy or the first year of their life? Why or why not?8. How do you intentionally cultivate wonder in your daily life and with those around you?9. What does it mean to you to be childlike rather than childish, and how can you practice this in your relationships and daily life?10. Have you read any books or used resources that have been particularly helpful in your spiritual journey as a mother or caretaker? If so, which ones and how have they impacted you?MEET CATHERINE LARSON“Hi! I’m Catherine, lover of dappled light, and Blue Ridge hues, of closing my days nestled in my husband’s prayers, and of mornings which bud with baby coos and the voices of my sweet boys calling for mama (that name I wondered if I’d ever get to wear). I’m a collector of words, a cataloger of wonders, and a curator of grace stories. Once upon a time (how can a few years ago seem like a lifetime?) I worked full-time writing, but these days you can find me vrooming toy cars across the red rug, slathering peanut butter and jelly on wheat, and carrying baby boy close to my heart. Once bedtime prayers are aloft, I cozy up with my laptop and labor in love to exalt the One who is the most important part of my life. Because if I could tell you only one thing about me I’d want you to know how passionately I seek to love a nail-scarred and risen Savior. It’s this love that leads me here, hoping for you, expecting you. Because here’s the thing; you matter. You matter so much more than you know. His eyes light up at the thought of you. And He loves you enough that He will not leave you where you are. And no matter where you are, He beckons. We live expectantly. Expecting grace, expecting mercy, and yes, expecting trials, pain, and suffering. But we also expect that evil will not have the final say, but that love will prevail, transforming even the bitterest moments into sweetest grace. We live expecting His presence, one day His appearing, and ultimately His absolute reign.”Meet Catherine at catherineclairelarson.com MORE ABOUT HER BOOK, WATCHING IN WONDERWatching in Wonder: Growing in Faith During Your Baby's First Year by Catherine Claire Larson is a weekly devotional journal that will inspire you to record stories and prayers for your newborn as you create a memory book that you (and they) will treasure for years to come. Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Watching-Wonder-Growing-Faith-During/dp/140023610X/ “I hope women will walk away from Watching in Wonder with a deeper understanding of who God is and how He meets and cares for them in these days of early motherhood,” said Catherine. “A recurring theme in the book is that motherhood is a high and holy calling and that women are nurturing a human soul of inestimable importance.”Embrace the exhilarating, exhausting, and joy-filled first year of motherhood in the pages of Watching in Wonder as you marvel anew at His goodness and the miracle of life that is growing day by day before your eyes.We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogIdentity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

"Here I am, Lord." These are familiar words. We have heard them from the lips of ancient heroes of the faith -- Abraham, Moses, Samuel, and more. But what did they really mean? What do WE mean when we dare speak them? Or do we know them to be so dangerous, we are not sure we are ready to whisper them under our breath, to the One who listens?Stephanie guides us through Scripture to find the geographical, emotional and mental places where these words are spoken. She then takes us to modern-day Hebrew language and religious culture through the Hebrew word for "here I am" -- heenani. It means more than catches the eye, and points to Jesus. Of course, it does - it is part and parcel of Scripture, the Word who points to the One. This episode is an invitation to experience Jewish insights into Messiah that only make sense in Christ. It is an invitation to worship afresh the One who is our King, our God, our Savior, our Intercessor, our Friend - the One who, ultimately, comes to us, saying, "Here I am." NEW BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND1. What can we learn from the story of Samuel's calling and how can we apply it in our lives?2. How did Abraham's response of "Here I am" to God's call change the course of his life and what can we learn from it?3. What is the significance of the Hinani prayer in Jewish Orthodox theology and how does it relate to our Christian faith?4. How can we practice humility and acknowledge our unworthiness before God, as expressed in the Hinani prayer?5. How does the role of a worship leader, such as a Chazan, differ between Jewish Orthodox and Christian communities?6. How can we love God and others with both Agape and Phileo love, as discussed in the episode?7. How does the concept of communal prayer in Judaism compare to what we see in Christian worship services?8. How can we ensure that our own inadequacies don't hinder the prayers we offer on behalf of others?9. How can we respond with "Here I am" to Jesus's call to love and follow him?10. In what ways can we grow in intimacy with God through our own research and study of Scripture?This series is an invitation to immerse yourself in the various ways God communicates to us, and us to Him. So pay attention, He is here and willing to whisper in your ear.A word of caution: don’t come to Scripture with the agenda of finding yourself there. Right now we are going to take Scripture in. Like breathing, like eating, like smelling a flower. Don’t come to Scripture with the agenda of finding yourself there. Come with the firm intention of discovering God instead. And then Scripture will never disappoint. God promises to be found in the places where He dwells – His Word especially. And in the process, you will undoubtedly find yourself as you find Him. So as we enter the hallowed pages of Scripture together, through a humble doorway and a very simple story, ask yourself: what is this telling me about Jesus?THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY!First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact.Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast. And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly. We covet your prayers for our ministry, the thousands we reach, and our team! Contact us to let us know you are praying for us!NEW!Another way to partner with us is to purchase our workbooks and online Bible studies. We keep them at the lowest possible cost, but they require a lot of work from us! For example, - a complete Bible Study requires an average of 500 man-hours. - a workbook for a series requires almost 100 man-hours.MORE ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FINANCIALLY:Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status.Our goal is to provide in-depth, high-quality, free Bible resources for all. They are free, but expensive to create! We need your financial support to keep producing and distributing them. Please pay Gospel Spice forward today! For example, a podcast episode takes close to 10 hours of work (and we release 2 each week). They come to you completely free, but we would truly love your support.We want the money to go to those who really need it. Once our operating costs are paid, 100% of your donation is redistributed to our partners who fight human trafficking. Each year, we aim to give as much as we can. For example, Stephanie works more than full time for Gospel Spice, entirely for free. All board members and volunteers are donating time. We limit our operational expenses to the bare minimum.Your pay-it-forward donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170.We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. Thank you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Dare to dream about living a big life for the glory of God! That is our theme today, through seemingly mundane examples of daily faithfulness and stewardship. Today, Stephanie welcomes Janell Wood, who was inspired to host exchange students and turn it into a ministry. Hosting these students has not only impacted their lives but has also transformed Janell's life in the process. Stephanie was a foreign exchange student from France when she was 17 (30 years ago this year!) and, as you may know, she gave her life to Jesus at the end of her  year there. She is a living proof example of the power of faithfulness when a family welcomes a student in their home and shares Christ faithfully--albeit imperfectly. Being real and authentic is what matters. Janell therefore encourages us to be authentic and to ask God for guidance in making decisions that might affect our lives. Together, Stephanie and Janell talk about faith and daring to trust God to live a big life for His glory. Janell also discusses the importance of exposing her kids to different worldviews and traditions through hosting exchange students. In her ministry, Janell interviews young women who have questions about God and belief, and they speak with various Christian apologists to address these questions. Janell emphasizes the importance of being faithful in one's spiritual walk, and of loving God and our neighbors.BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER1. How has Janell's experience hosting exchange students challenged and transformed her faith in God?2. Janell talks about embracing change and stepping out in faith. What are some examples of where you see this in your own life?3. Janell emphasizes the importance of being authentic and seeking God's guidance. How do you remain authentic in your relationships and life experiences?4. How has apologetics helped you to address your own doubts and uncertainties about faith?5. What can we learn from Janell's approach to sharing her faith with others she meets in her work?6. How has traveling and experiencing different cultures impacted your worldview and faith?7. Janell's family intentionally exposes their children to different worldviews. Have you had conversations with your own family, friends, or colleagues about faith differences and how to love others well through those differences?8. What can we do to "offer our lives" to God and be obedient to His call in our lives, even when we don't necessarily see the results?9. How do you handle fear or doubt when stepping out in faith to do something new or challenging?10. How can we seek God's guidance in making decisions that might impact our lives or the lives of those around us?MEET JANELL WOODJanell Wood is a devoted wife and mother of four children who grew up in a Christian household and gave her life to Christ at an early stage. Although she experienced her own doubts and struggles with faith, she felt a nudge to go all-in for the Lord after reading Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love. Fueled by this call to action, Janell and her husband decided to do something extraordinary and ended up hosting exchange students from different parts of the world. Starting from the Netherlands, they now have hosted five exchange students and hope to host more! The experience has been life-changing for Janell, who now views this ministry as a way of opening her heart up to young women from different backgrounds who have never known someone who deeply loves the Lord. The journey has not been without its challenges, but Janell has found that God has been working in her life along the way.Find Janell at https://www.janellmwood.com/If you want more info about hosting foreign exchange students, go to www.efexchangeyear.org If you want to get connected with Janell directly on this topic, meet her at https://efexchangeyear.org/iec/janell-wood/ or email her at  janellmwood@gmail.com We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogIdentity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

We are so glad to welcome you for this latest episode! Stephanie is in France this summer so make sure to follow her on social to stay up to date. Enjoy todays episode!also… there is a long musical pause at the beginning - a technical error that Stephanie can’t fix from France… please excuse us!NEW BONUS! REFLECTION QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER, ALONE OR WITH A FRIEND1. How does the understanding of the commandment to love God and love neighbor as yourself impact our daily lives?2. How do you interpret the repeated questioning of Peter's love by Jesus in the Gospel of John?3. How can we use our weaknesses to become stronger in our faith?4.  How can we share the love of Christ with others around us?6. What does the passage in John 21 teach us about our calling to serve God?7. What can we learn about loving and serving God from Peter's journey?8. How can we practically apply Micah 6:8 in our daily lives?9. What are some examples of ways we can tend to God's sheep today?10. What are some effective ways we can share our faith with those who don't know Jesus?THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY!First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact.Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast. And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly. We covet your prayers for our ministry, the thousands we reach, and our team! Contact us to let us know you are praying for us!NEW!Another way to partner with us is to purchase our workbooks and online Bible studies. We keep them at the lowest possible cost, but they require a lot of work from us! For example, - a complete Bible Study requires an average of 500 man-hours. - a workbook for a series requires almost 100 man-hours.MORE ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FINANCIALLY:Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status.Our goal is to provide in-depth, high-quality, free Bible resources for all. They are free, but expensive to create! We need your financial support to keep producing and distributing them. Please pay Gospel Spice forward today! For example, a podcast episode takes close to 10 hours of work (and we release 2 each week). They come to you completely free, but we would truly love your support.We want the money to go to those who really need it. Once our operating costs are paid, 100% of your donation is redistributed to our partners who fight human trafficking. Each year, we aim to give as much as we can. For example, Stephanie works more than full time for Gospel Spice, entirely for free. All board members and volunteers are donating time. We limit our operational expenses to the bare minimum.Your pay-it-forward donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170.We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. Thank you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!