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

BONUS Episode 95 – This week, we celebrate our upcoming 100th episode by highlighting ministries that serve the world in the Name of Christ in various ways. We will release one episode EVERY DAY this week.Today, Stephanie welcomes Christy and Vinita to talk about the rescue work of NaiAsha, a safe house for survivors of human trafficking and sex abuse in India. Vinita is Indian, and the director for NaiAsha. Christy is American, and Vinita’s fiercest supporter. They had nothing in common, until God united their hearts for a common passion against human trafficking in India.NOTE TO PARENTS: While NOT explicit, this episode shares veiled but raw details. We do not recommend it for young years.Vinita shares her story of being abused at 16, which led to a season of homelessness in her honor and shame culture. Loneliness and utter lack of support ranked among her greatest struggles at that time. After she built a good life for herself again, she felt called by God to dedicate her life to serve other women who came from similar difficulties and to provide the support she wished she had had when she was struggling to survive.About 10 years ago, she started a safe house for young women. They started small—with two young ladies. They have now helped 282 women, including 40 in their care today. Christy met Vinita on a discovery trip to India, and God cemented their friendship in powerful ways.In this raw episode, they share the struggles they face to run a safe house for girls who initially exhibit extreme anger and violence upon arriving on site, and how they slowly transform into beautiful, confident, capable young women with a bright future ahead. This requires a lengthy trust-building process before they can start acquiring skills to thrive in society, including an education and a deep theological grounding. Vinita shares that one of her greatest joys is to see the “older” girls, who have learned to trust them, begin to mentor the newly arrived ones who still struggle with anger and violence, and be for this “new” generation what Vinita had been for them.NaiAsha means “New Hope” in Hindi. Indeed, NaiAsha nurtures these precious souls until they turn 18, the legal age of independence in India. It means some girls stay with them for up to 5 years. Imagine the horror that brings a 13-year old to the door of NaiAsha… The next project is to transition these young women into society when they turn 18. They are not all ready to become independent on their 18th birthday. So NaiAsha has launched a transition home, for girls aged 18 and above who still need to stay within the safety of NaiAsha a bit longer.This is where Christy comes in. Through funding, prayer and soul care, she and her small non-profit provide the tools for Vinita and her team not to burn out as they work against the fastest growing industry in the world, and in one of its darkest places.TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!If you've enjoyed this episode, you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Check out the first episode of each season:The Gospel of Matthew:https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/The Psalms: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/The Gospel of Luke: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/The Book of Proverbs: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/ DISCOVER 1Together & NaiAsha:go to 1together.org to find out more.1 Together connects and equips the global Church in healthy partnerships and shared transformation resulting in measurable progress.Many, whether in America or internationally, long to be part of the global mission, but don't know where to start or need a freshening of what exists. Our goal is to connect and equip in:HEALTHY PARTNERSHIPS: Determining what a healthy partnership looks like, with mutual respect, outlined expectations, and appropriate relationship.SHARED TRANSFORMATION: Due to rubbing shoulders in relationship and learning from each other, all who interact with each other should experience heart change that flows out into their extended communities.MEASURABLE PROGRESS: Identifying outcomes that those who partner together can see and ways they can help each other to reach them.Also go to biblica.com for more.Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 94 - Stephanie welcomes friend Megan B. Brown to discuss the intricacies of full surrender and complete commitment to the Lord amidst a whirlwind of difficult life circumstances.Today, discover the story of someone who challenges others to dare to step up as she has been challenged to step up. We discuss the challenges of a military career, as Megan's husband is currently actively deployed overseas. Megan is a missionary to American military communities around the globe. We discuss what an active missional lifestyle looks like on a daily basis--in our neighborhoods and communities. as Megan says, "lives are most certainly changed on sofas." We need to embrace the local church model of home meetings to develop a sturdy foundation of trust with the Lord and with each other. What do successful local, God-centered communities look like?We also discuss what it looks like to submit our gifts to the local church, and how to step fully into what the Lord has ordained for and through each one of us. What does it look like to "do it afraid"? What truths from the Lord will help us surrender to Him?GOSPEL SPICE GIVEAWAY!!Megan is giving away 5 copies of her new book, Summoned. Go to gospelspice.com/giveaway for a chance to win!If you've enjoyed this episode, you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Check out the first episode of each season, as a way to get ready for Episode 100 and our brand new "Identity in the Battle" series, starting on Episode 101!Some listeners' favorites:The Gospel of Matthew:https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/The Psalms: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/The Gospel of Luke: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/The Book of Proverbs: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/ MEET MEGAN B. BROWN.Megan B. Brown is a new and upcoming author, a Christian speaker, and a military missionary. She is passionate about equipping the United States military community to carry the redemptive story of Jesus to the four corners through radical hospitality, sound biblical teaching, and community discipleship.Megan is the author of Summoned: Answering a Call to the Impossible, releasing in May 2021 by Moody Publishers and the Managing Editor for Brave Women, Strong Faith- an anthology collection of stories written by military women and wives. In Summoned, you’ll enter the story of Esther—her calling, pain, and role in God’s plan for salvation—and see how God is always working in the lives of His people, even when He seems distant. Through this 8-week study, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for God’s Word and begin to see that stepping out in faith for His glory is often the first step to encountering His redeeming love.Megan says, "I wrote a book a book about a phenomenal woman, but really, I wrote a book about a phenomenal God."While Megan loves writing- books, blogs, and articles- Megan also enjoys traveling around the country speaking at ministry events, retreats, conferences, and churches.You will find Megan here:https://www.facebook.com/megan.b.brown.96https://www.instagram.com/megbrownwrites/https://www.meganbbrown.com/ Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 93 - Stephanie welcomes Tessa Afshar, bestselling author of historical and biblical fiction. Tessa grew up in Iran in a nominally Muslim family before emigrating to the UK. She became a Christian in her twenties, and it has dramatically affected her life's focus. She had a dream about Christ, and she says, "I am one of the only persons in the universe to ever say that my first reaction to Christ was... disappointment"! But then she saw His eyes and she discovered "unbroken love."Tessa writes biblical fiction to draw us deep into the reality of life over the 2,000+ years covered in Scripture. In other words, she does through fiction what the Gospel Spice podcast does through teaching: giving us a fresh perspective to help us fall in love with God more!Tessa and Stephanie discuss her conversion story, and the importance of seeing ourselves through God's eyes.  If you've enjoyed this episode, you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Check out the first episode of each season:The Gospel of Matthew: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/The Psalms: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/The Gospel of Luke: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/The Book of Proverbs: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/ IDENTITY IN THE BATTLE: SUMMER 2021 EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENTGo to gospelspice.com/identity to register for FREE for exclusive bonus content to experience our upcoming summer series, IDENTITY IN THE BATTLE, at a whole new level.  DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES BEHIND THIS EPISODEIf you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to discover more about how God is at work at Gospel Spice Ministries, and even to join in His work! There are 3 easy ways to do that:PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the show with friends and family: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/38/link/PAY IT FORWARD by supporting us financially: gospelspice.com/payitforwardPRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!Go to gospelspice.com for more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, the umbrella ministry over the podcast. You will discover our partners and the various services we offer, such as in-depth Bible studies with interactive conversation groups, a couple of times a year. Go to gospel-spice.com (with a "dash"!) to join the Gospel Spice Podcast community and interact with us!Contact us on the website or at contact@gospelspice.com to send us your prayer requests (we pray for you as a team every week!) and let us know how we can come alongside you. GOSPEL SPICE GIVEAWAY!Tessa is giving away a copy of her phenomenal Bible Study, The Way Home: God's invitation to new beginnings.Go to Gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win! The winner will be announced on the same page next week.------------Tessa Afshar is the best-selling author of historical and biblical fiction. Her novels have won a number of awards, including the Christy and the INSPY. She recently released her first bible study and DVD called The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, based on the book of Ruth. Tessa was born to a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls, before immigrating to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of Tessa’s life forever. She holds a master of divinity from Yale University, where she was elected to serve as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School for one year. After working in women’s ministry for twenty years, Tessa now works as a full-time writer. Tessa and her husband live in New England where they proudly tend their small, mediocre garden.Visit her online at TessaAfshar.com.Make sure to order her latest AMAZING novel, Jewel of the Nile, by clicking here. (released June 1, 2021)Her Bible Study, wich we discussed on the show, is also available by clicking here.You will find Tessa on Facebook and on Instagram.Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 91 - Stephanie welcomes former NFL running back Matt Forté and his amazing entrepreneur wife Danielle to discuss their faith, their marriage and parenting, the importance of truth in our search for deeper intimacy with God, and much more! In this candid and genuine conversation, Matt and Danielle share the secret of their successful marriage, and their endless pursuit of more of God in every aspect of their lives. They take us back to their own childhood and coming to faith, and how they aim to role-model authentic faith, grounded in truth, to their own children. Matt shares the spiritual discoveries he made while on the football field, the depth of his commitment to fatherhood in his family, his community and beyond, and how his faith came full circle when they visited slums in India.They share how parenting has increased their respect and love for one another. Matt shares that one of the most important aspects of fatherhood is to build a strong relationship with your children’s mother when possible, since we are airing this special interview on Father's Day week.And then, right as we were recording this interview from the Fortés’ home in Chicago, their 5-year old son walked in to give them a hug before naptime. It was a perfect illustration of everything we had been discussing, so it made the cut and you are invited to share in that special, unrehearsed moment of family love!Finally Matt and Danielle share about their current calling into ministry, and how Jesus-centered humility stemmed from temporary glory. They are now global ambassadors for Biblica. Find out more at biblica.com and whatsyourfortefoundation.orgIf you've enjoyed this episode, you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Click to check out the first episode of each season:The Gospel of Matthew: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/The Psalms: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/The Gospel of Luke: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/The Book of Proverbs: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES BEHIND THIS EPISODEIf you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to discover more about how God is at work at Gospel Spice Ministries, and even to join in His work! There are 3 easy ways to do that:PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the show with friends and family: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/38/link/PAY IT FORWARD by supporting us financially: gospelspice.com/payitforwardPRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!Go to gospelspice.com for more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, the umbrella ministry over the podcast. You will discover our partners and the various services we offer, such as in-depth Bible studies with interactive conversation groups, a couple of times a year. Go to gospel-spice.com (with a "dash"!) to join the Gospel Spice Podcast community and interact with us!Contact us on the website or at contact@gospelspice.com to send us your prayer requests (we pray for you as a team every week!) and let us know how we can come alongside you.---- GET TO KNOW MATT AND DANIELLE ----Dubbed an "Uphill Runner" for his uncompromising drive, and Top 50 NFL player in 2015, Matt Forté exemplifies fortitude in every sense. His ability to overcome obstacles, including the impact Hurricane Katrina had on the area in which he was raised and went to college, down to his training, has proven that his fighting spirit prevails despite whatever the obstacle.Since 2013 Matt has been working with the youth to instill those same values and principles. Matt was raised in Slidell, Louisiana and graduated Tulane University with a degree in finance. While attending Tulane, Matt rushed for more than 2,000 yards in his senior year and was on the Heisman Candidate Watch List. He was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears where he would play for 8 years. In 2016, as an unrestricted free agent, he was signed to the New York Jets. He is a two time ProBowler and is married to Danielle Forte.Versatile, efficient and passionate, three words that describe Danielle Forte’s “get-the-job-done” mentality.   Danielle, wife of Matt Forte and mother to their two children, is also the Creative Director and Founder of their family-focused fashion house geared towards women and kids, 828 Brands. In addition to running 828 Brands and the Forte household, she also heads up initiatives for The What’s Your Forte? Foundation as the Foundation’s co-founder. Danielle believes that lending the proverbial hand to someone in need is the first step of the journey ahead..Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 88 – Stephanie welcomes Amanda and Dallas Jenkins on the show today. Dallas is the creator, director and producer of the global TV phenomenon, The Chosen. And his wife Amanda is the real MVP behind it all 🙂If you are NOT familiar with The Chosen, well, might we lovingly encourage you to drop everything and start watching right now? If you’re thinking, “I have seen so many shows about Jesus, and they always fall short.” Well, allow us to tell you: not this one, it doesn’t. Here at Gospel Spice, we’re SUPERFANS because The Chosen honors the Lord and will make you fall in love with Him deeper. If you enjoy the Gospel Spice Podcast, you will truly love The Chosen! So, taste and see! There’s only one way to find out…And conversely, if you are here because you are a Chosen fan but have never yet listened to Gospel Spice, welcome ! We encourage you to stick around and “come and see” or, as our Gospel Spice motto says, “taste and see”… Gospel Spice will add depth of flavor in your relationship with God just as The Chosen has. We alternate interviews like today’s, with Bible teachings that provide in-depth spiritual insights into the first century Jewish culture to help you fall in love with Jesus more. We have thousands of listeners in over 100 countries, and we hear it all the time: “Gospel Spice has helped me know and experience God more deeply.” So, come and see! There’s only one way to find out… You can also watch the live video of the conversation on our YouTube channel, and make sure to subscribe: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/1hLrWP8ZikA?feature=oembedStephanie is a huge fan, and has watched countless videos, so she was looking to chat about things she had not heard Dallas talk much about... So, on today’s interview, they talk about The Chosen series, of course, but also about the behind-the-scenes for the Jenkins family: what it took to get where they are, how it affected their marriage, parenting, and more.For example, Dallas and Amanda tell us how they used their own personal experiences to depict the various personalities, struggles and successes of the main characters of The Chosen. Whether it be Eden, Simon-Peter or Nathanael, we can relate to them all because, fundamentally, we are like them—maybe not in the particulars of their struggles and failures, but in the general condition of sinfulness.Dallas and Amanda are candidly honest about the struggles that have surrounded the last few years of their lives in marriage, parenting, and career. They point us to Jesus every time—and not in a cliché way. This conversation is refreshing, insightful, and inspiring.Amanda shares with us her experience of how to support a significant other in our life when they are going through grief, whatever its source. Dallas shares about the process of parenting their children through The Chosen, several years in.We talk about the importance of humor, and the role of controversy in The Chosen. How do Dallas and his team decide which scenes to include, and when to insert humor (haunted grandma room, anyone?).Have you ever wondered how Dallas cooks his burgers? The wait is over, and the mystery is revealed today! We include the exclusive #DallasBurger recipe, not to mention a tasty tip or two on spicy smoothies. Also, if you’ve ever found yourself on a very cold morning filming outdoors, Dallas has just the spicy treat for you. There’s only one way to find out how Dallas literally spices his team’s lives with the gospel…As we move to bitter yet salvific spices, we focus on the much-dreaded “Season 6” which will feature the crucifixion and death of Jesus. How are any of us, Chosen fans, supposed to survive it?? How is Dallas planning on having the fortitude to direct this season? And what about Season 7—the one that will take our breath away like no other? Stephanie asked, and Dallas answered—with poise and grace.Finally, we talk about the creative writing process, season by season and episode by episode: how does the team find the stories that are already nestled within the pages of Scripture? And what does that have to do with God crushing Dallas, as a spice is crushed to extract its flavors?MORE ABOUT THE CHOSENYou guys. You need to binge this, and quick! In case you don't know... The Chosen is:- the first-ever multi-season show about Jesus- the #1 highest crowd-funded project of all-time at $10 million from over 19,000 people- translated into 50 languages and counting- consistently ranked in the top 50 entertainment apps on ios and android- completely free to watch on our app that connects directly to streaming devices with no fee or subscription necessary- generating income for future seasons when viewers choose to "pay it forward" after viewing.For more, go to thechosen.tv and thechosengift.comMORE ABOUT GOSPEL SPICEFind us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gospelspice and connect with Stephanie: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.rousselle.904/Instagram, Stephanie Rousselle: https://www.instagram.com/stephanierousselle.us/  and Gospel Spice: https://www.instagram.com/gospelspicelife/If you've enjoyed this episode, you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Click to check out the first episode of each season:The Gospel of Matthew: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/The Psalms: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/The Gospel of Luke: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/The Book of Proverbs: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to discover more about how God is at work at Gospel Spice Ministries, and even to join in His work! Go to gospelspice.com for more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, the umbrella ministry over the podcast. You will discover our partners and the various services we offer, such as in-depth Bible studies with interactive conversation groups, a couple of times a year. CELEBRATING THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOSTThis year, Gospel Spice is not publishing episodes dedicated to the celebration of the Acension and Pentecost. These are crucial, momentous events in the life of Christ, and of the church. Please go to https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/gospel-spice/series/experience-the-ascension-and-pentecost/ to listen to all our content on this pricelesss topic! You will also find several other topic-themed inspiring series at the bottom of the page: gospel-spice.comSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 86 -- Jennifer Rothschild is sharing her experience of physical blindness and spiritual eyesight with us today. We go deep in the trenches of self-reliance, and she says, "I used to rely on my own strength, and I thought it was grace." She tells us that without Christ's power in us, we can't experience true success. Our strength can be our greatest liability.  Jennifer says that blindness has exposed her true weakness: her dogged self-reliance! Learning that our greater weakness is self-dependence teaches us to boast in our weakness because that is where the power of Christ can dwell.So, we talk about the imperative of surrender to a God who knows us exactly as He created us to be. How do we make surrender our number one goal? This is one of the themes of "Take Courage: a study of Haggai" the latest book that Jennifer wrote--because she needed it for herself, and hopes to share it with others who seek to rebuild against discouragement after 2020 and amidst 2021. Jennifer reminds us through Haggai that you are never too young, or too old, for God to call and qualify and equip you for the work and identity He has for you.Jennifer says, "true success is obedience." How do you not get weary of well-doing? Haggai teaches us that obedience and faithfulness ARE success. It is not about size and glitter, but about surrendering our 100% to God.Jennifer shares with vulnerability how taking courage is an instruction amidst weakness and disappointment, not something for the strong. It is about receiving courage, not mustering it up out of our own strength. So, it starts with emptying yourself of self-reliance, stop trying to grip control, taking "be strong" off your to-do list, and tell God that you can't -- but that HE CAN! Case in point, Stephanie started this interview with a few butterflies in her stomach and a slight case of fan-girling, but Jennifer made her feel at ease immediately by her kindness and approachability. This was a perfect practical example of how to celebrate success as God defines it--not as we do.And, did you wonder what Jennifer's favorite spice is? Take a listen to find out! It's full of spiritual depth, too!!Stephanie apologizes for the lower quality of her own voice at occasions on this episode... the recording had technical difficulties, but the good news is that Jennifer's voice is perfectly recorded!If you've enjoyed this episode, you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Click to check out the first episode of each season:The Gospel of Matthew: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/The Psalms: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/The Gospel of Luke: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/The Book of Proverbs: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/ DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES BEHIND THIS EPISODEIf you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to discover more about how God is at work at Gospel Spice Ministries, and even to join in His work! There are 3 easy ways to do that:PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the show with friends and family: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/38/link/PAY IT FORWARD by supporting us financially: gospelspice.com/payitforwardPRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!Go to gospelspice.com for more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, the umbrella ministry over the podcast. You will discover our partners and the various services we offer, such as in-depth Bible studies with interactive conversation groups, a couple of times a year. Go to gospel-spice.com (with a "dash"!) to join the Gospel Spice Podcast community and interact with us!Contact us on the website or at contact@gospelspice.com to send us your prayer requests (we pray for you as a team every week!) and let us know how we can come alongside you. ------- GOSPEL SPICE GIVEAWAY ------Jennifer is giving away a copy of her latest Bible Study, Take Courage: a study through Haggai. So, go now to gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win!-------- ABOUT TAKE COURAGE: A STUDY OF HAGGAI ----------Do you ever feel like the happy ending of your story is a million miles away?Then you know how the Jewish people felt when they returned to their wrecked land after exile and began rebuilding the temple. They were distracted, discouraged, and ready to throw in the towel. But the prophet Haggai reminded them they could find courage in the God who had never left them.Sometimes the landscapes of our lives feel wrecked, with our hope and purpose in shambles. We too get distracted and discouraged. However, God’s presence and promises give us courage to press on and trust Him with our story.In this 7-session study on the Book of Haggai, learn to walk confidently in your calling, stay motivated despite opposition, and courageously invest your life in God’s purposes, trusting Him for results you may never see in this lifetime.------ GET TO KNOW JENNIFER ------At the young age of fifteen, Jennifer was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative eye disease that would eventually steal her sight. It was more than a turning point for the Miami, FL, native. Her dreams of becoming a commercial artist and cartoonist faded. Words and music have replaced her canvas and palette for more than 30 years.Known for her substance, and down-to-earth style, Jennifer weaves together colorful illustrations, universal principles, and music to help audiences find contentment, walk with endurance, and celebrate the ordinary. Through her signature wit and poignant story-telling, audiences are prompted to look beyond their circumstances to find unique “gifts,” in unusual packaging.Jennifer has taken her message of encouragement across the country speaking at national and regional gatherings of busy professionals, dedicated volunteers, and overwhelmed moms and dads. Jennifer has been a featured speaker for the nation’s largest conference for women, Women of Faith, and has teamed up with Beth Moore and others to lead national women’s conferences. Thousands have come away with a new vision for their future, their family, and their work.She is the author of 17 books with combined sales approaching one million units, including the newest video-based Bible study, Take Courage: A Study of Haggai and the best-selling Lessons I Learned in the Dark. In addition to her writing and speaking, Jennifer is an accomplished songwriter and recording artist, with six albums to her credit – including Remember and Walking by Faith: The Music Captured Live, among others.Jennifer has been featured on The Today Show, Dr. Phil, ABC’s Good Morning America, and the Billy Graham Television Special, and on other national TV and radio programs including Hour of Power, Life Today, Family Life Radio, TBN, and others. Her life story and message has been the cover story of numerous national publications including Today’s Christian Woman, Virtue magazine, Becoming Family magazine, HomeLife magazine, and others.Jennifer is also the founder and host of Fresh Grounded Faith Events and the womensministry.net Leadership Library that equips women in ministry to lead well. She resides in Springfield, Missouri with her husband of 31 years, Dr. Philip Rothschild (a professor). They have two sons, Clayton, married to Caroline, and Connor. And her favorite title is Gigi to her two grandsons. Jennifer enjoys visits to theme parks and riding a bicycle built for two. She got a real charge singing the national anthem for the Atlanta Braves and bungee-jumping from seven and a half stories. Jennifer is a voracious reader; she loves classical music, dark chocolate, and the smell of a hazelnut-coffee candle.Stay in touch: http://www.facebook.com/jennifer.j.rothschild;http://twitter.com/jennrothschild.jenniferrothschild.com for more!https://www.freshgroundedfaith.com/events/--------- CELEBRATING THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST ---------This year, Gospel Spice is not publishing episodes dedicated to the celebration of the Acension and Pentecost. These are crucial, momentous events in the life of Christ, and of the church. Please go to https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/gospel-spice/series/experience-the-ascension-and-pentecost/ to listen to all our content on this pricelesss topic! You will also find several other topic-themed inspiring series at the bottom of the page: gospel-spice.com This season of the Gospel Spice Podcast is powered by Biblica! We are grateful for this partnership.Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 83 – Stephanie has quite the treat for you today! The one and only Jill Briscoe is sharing with us her life lessons on worry, aging, and prayer. She shares about obedience from faith as the solution against worry and worldly cares. She teaches us, in her trademark style and accent, the tools SHE has used for decades to become a vessel God used mightily. So, you are invited to put the kettle on, steep some tea (preferably with milk—how British!), maybe enjoy a few scones with clotted cream (Stephanie's favorite!).International speaker and multi-bestselling author Jill Briscoe, 86 years young, invites us to taste life lessons to embrace the fullness of a life lived solely to the glory of God. It feels like afternoon teatime with your wise aunt, so cozy up with us to soak up wisdom and insights from one of the most respected Christian influencers of our generation!In this episode, Jill shares some of her life lessons. She says, “what I have learned I am now passing onto you.” Such a legacy of faith becomes ours today! For example:-          “Do not worry” is not about self-love and self-care. It is a direct command from the Lord Jesus Himself.-          God’s grass grows overnight. Hum. Intrigued? You don’t want to miss Jill’s wisdom on this point.-          Aging is full of opportunities—take it from Jill!-          The power of prayer, or how to be but one prayer away from anyone who might be hundreds of miles away from you!There is no experience quite like sitting across from Jill and listening to her life stories. She beckons you into the legacy of a spiritual giant who delights to inspire you to follow hard after God. Do not let her whimsical storytelling fool you: she is a mighty warrior in God’s Kingdom.Jill gives us the blueprint she has used for decades to approach Scripture. Always look for:1-      a command to obey;2-      a warning to heed;3-      a promise to claim;4-      something about Jesus;5-      something about yourself;6-      and finally, someone standing in the shadows.As you sip your milk tea alongside Jill, you will hear stories of The Beetles, and of the trap of reaching for your phone instead of your Bible first thing in the morning. You will taste what it is like to emigrate from the UK to the US in the 1970’s, leaving everything behind for the sake of God’s calling upon a family. You will hear what true obedience looks like, regardless of fatigue and exhaustion.You will hear how Jill uses her personal Scripture reading to discern God’s specific direction for her steps. It is simple and Spirit-filled. You will hear about the privilege of growing old, and the opportunities that come with it. You will hear about the unrelenting pursuit of God through Scripture.The sound quality isn’t always perfect (sorry about that!). But the depth of wisdom in this episode is such, that we decided to keep it, sound imperfections and all. We hope you will be as blessed with it as we have been! If you've enjoyed this episode, you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Check out the first episode of each season (it will launch in the same app you are currently using to listen): The Gospel of Matthew: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/The Psalms: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/The Gospel of Luke: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/The Book of Proverbs: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/ DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES BEHIND THIS EPISODEIf you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to discover more about how God is at work at Gospel Spice Ministries, and even to join in His work! 3 easy ways to do that:PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the show with friends and family: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/38/link/PAY IT FORWARD by supporting us financially: gospelspice.com/payitforwardPRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!For more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, check out gospelspice.com. You will find Jill here:https://justbetweenus.org/https://www.tellingthetruth.org/https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJillBriscoehttps://www.instagram.com/jill.briscoe/https://www.instagram.com/justbetweenusmag/This season of the Gospel Spice Podcast is powered by Biblica! We are grateful for this partnership.Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 80 - There are times when words just don't suffice to express excitement and wonder. Today is such a day! Get this: Stephanie welcomes Liz Curtis Higgs. Yes, THE Liz Curtis Higgs! Stephanie has grown in wisdom at her feet, and is delighted--utterly--to share her words of beauty and wisdom with you this Easter. Liz beckons you into an Easter experience like no other. Oh, beloved, come and enter into the beauty of Easter today.Liz weaves the story of Mary of Bethany in that timeless moment when she worshipped Christ, on the Saturday just before Easter. Mary helped prepare Jesus for the suffering to come by pouring out her love for Him in a fragrant and tangible expression of worship. Smell the perfume Mary shed at His feet. See the scandal and the glory of pure worship. Behold the beauty of authentic praise. Learn from Mary, whose actions spoke louder than words.Liz has got to be the funniest Bible teacher you have ever met--wait until you hear of the book she is considering writing one day, on all the but's in the Bible... 🙂What is one thing we ought to remember Mary of Bethany by? Liz gives a profound answer. Take a listen today to be inspired! If you've enjoyed this episode, you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Check out the first episode of each season:Our Easter Series: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/gospel-spice/series/a-gospel-spice-easter/   The Gospel of Matthew: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/ The Psalms: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/ The Gospel of Luke: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/ The Book of Proverbs: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/ DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES BEHIND THIS EPISODEIf you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to discover more about how God is at work at Gospel Spice Ministries, and even to join in His work! 3 easy ways to do that:PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the show with friends and family: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/38/link/PAY IT FORWARD by supporting us financially: gospelspice.com/payitforwardPRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!For more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, check out gospelspice.com. ----- GOSPEL SPICE GIVEAWAY -----Liz is giving away a copy of her book, The Women of Easter, to one Gospel Spice listener! Go to gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win!The winner will be announced next week here.----- MEET LIZ CURTIS HIGGS -----Liz is the author of 37 books, with 4.6 million copies in print. Her latest release, 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path, shows how thirty-one nuggets of truth reveal God’s faithfulness: “I will instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths” (Proverbs 4:11). In another recent devotional, 31 Verses to Write on Your Heart, Liz explores 31 favorite verses chosen by more than a thousand women.The Women of Easter shines a spotlight on three Marys who play vital roles in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Women of Christmas offers a heartwarming Bible study wrapped inside a beautiful gift book with Verse by verse, Liz unwraps the biblical stories of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, who each welcome the Christ child into the world in a marvelous and miraculous way. In her best-selling Bad Girls of the Bible series, Liz breathes new life into ancient tales about the most infamous—and intriguing—women in history, from Jezebel to Mary Magdalene. Scripturally sound and cutting-edge fresh, these popular titles have helped more than one million women around the world experience God’s grace anew.Women of Faith, Women of Joy, Extraordinary Women, Among Friends, Time Out for Women, Moody Women, Women of Virtue, Win-some Women, Women’s Journey of Faith, Women Who Worship, Christian Women Communicating International—if it’s a conference for and about women, Liz Curtis Higgs is honored to be there. She has spoken at more than 1,800 conferences in all 50 states of the U.S. and 15 foreign countries, including South Africa, Indonesia, Germany, Ecuador, and Japan.Her messages are biblical, encouraging, down-to-earth, and profoundly funny, helping both sisters and seekers embrace the truth of God’s amazing, unchanging grace.Liz’s dedication to platform ministry has not gone unnoticed. In 1995 the National Speakers Association honored Liz with their Council of Peers Award of Excellence. Her alma mater, Bellarmine University, presented her with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005. And she received an Honorary Doctorate from Georgetown College in 2010.You will find Liz everywhere:Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LizCurtisHiggsTwitter: www.Twitter.com/LizCurtisHiggsPinterest: www.Pinterest.com/LizCurtisHiggsYouTube: www.YouTube.com/LizCurtisHiggsVimeo: www.Vimeo.com/LizCurtisHiggsSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 79 - Geof Morin, CEO of Biblica, comes to us today as a Bible teacher to marvel at Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Stephanie is delighted to bring you Geof's insights on Jesus' famous Triumphal Entry... on a little pony.Geof challenges us to behold this event through an unusual lens, weaving your local DMV and Disney's Aladdin into a powerful question: do you know the power of what you are holding in your hand?This question, so relevant on Palm Sunday about palm branches and the quest for freedom from oppression and hardship, is asked of us daily on this side of Covid. As the body of Christ, tasked by Him to love the world in His Name, do we know the power that we hold in our hands?We transition to another powerful tool God has placed in our hands, alongside the responsibility of stewarding it well: His very own Word. As recipients of Scripture, we are tasked with spreading His life-giving message to the world, to every tribe and people and nation in their own language. Stephanie is French, and understands the importance of reading in her native tongue! Geof tells us about Biblica's God-inspired, awe-inspiring vision to place a Bible in every hand--in every language.Geof shares his encounters with the Covid-stricken, and their questions: God, can You be good? God, can You be fair? God, how will You make sense of this for me?While the Gospel Spice Podcast present in 70 countries on all continents, most of our  audience listens from a first-world perspective, where the challenges of Covid, real and deep as they may be, are not as radical as the extreme circumstances of most who do not have the buffer of first-world conveniences. How then shall we live? Geof challenges us in the famous words of Francis of Assisi to "preach the gospel, and occasionally use words." Christian organizations have moved towards relief and rescue this past year. Geof shares the transforming experience of beholding the power of a worn Bible in a refugee's life, and the lesson he learned from this humble believer.So, what can we do? Geof challenges us to discover where God is calling us to pray, intervene, invest, become involved, and inform others. It's both highly spiritual, and deeply practical.Geof unveils for us the stunning work of IllumiNations, aiming to translate the Bible in EVERY language--all 7,000+ of them-- by the year 2033. This work is going on right now, and we can all be part of it! Ten of the largest Bible-translating organizations, such as Biblica, are pooling resources to combat Bible poverty. This is a deep injustice to the world, that every language should not yet have its own Bible translation. It is happening,  a tapestry of God's weaving words into His Word--for every tribe and tongue and nation. Go to illuminations.bible to find out more today! God is making His magic happen. You do NOT want to miss it.Geof shares about Biblica's vision of radical generosity in our generation so we can serve the next generation! It is radical, it is generous--it is straight from the heart of God, flowing from the Throne Room into our world today. Will you join the Kingdom movement in our world today?Be informed. Be interceding. Be involved. Be influencing. Become the person that God created you to be through serving this world, the world He has loved to the end of Himself on the Cross. If you've enjoyed this episode, you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Check out the first episode of each season:Our Easter Series: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/gospel-spice/series/a-gospel-spice-easter/ The Gospel of Matthew: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/3281/link/ The Psalms: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/33755/link/ The Gospel of Luke: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/40838/link/ The Book of Proverbs: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/https://www.podcastics.com/episode/68112/link/DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES BEHIND THIS EPISODEIf you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to discover more about how God is at work at Gospel Spice Ministries, and even to join in His work! There are 3 easy ways to do that:PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the show with friends and family: https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/38/link/PAY IT FORWARD by supporting us financially: gospelspice.com/payitforwardPRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!Go to gospelspice.com for more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, the umbrella ministry over the podcast. You will discover our partners and the various services we offer, such as in-depth Bible studies with interactive conversation groups, a couple of times a year. Go to gospel-spice.com (with a "dash"!) to join the Gospel Spice Podcast community and interact with us!Contact us on the website or at contact@gospelspice.com to send us your prayer requests (we pray for you as a team every week!) and let us know how we can come alongside you. Find out more:biblica.comilluminations.bibleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiblicaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/biblicaministry/Watch Geof Morin on The Truth Worth Sharing---- NEXT WEEK: OUR EASTER EPISODE WITH A GOSPEL SPICE GIVEAWAY --------For our Easter 2021 Episode, we welcome Liz Curtis Higgs. She will tell us about Easter from a very unique perspective... through the eyes of Mary of Bethany, who anointed Jesus with perfume on the eve of Palm Sunday! He probably still carried the aroma of her worship on His feet and head even as He rode into Jerusalem on that little pony Geof just told us about.Liz is giving away a copy of her book, The Women of Easter. Go to gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win!Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 78 - Stephanie is welcoming a guest today. Make sure you have also listened to our previous two episodes, episodes 76 and 77, on the Cross and the Resurrection. Stephanie was teaching us about unique glimpses into the truth of Easter! They are part of our Easter celebration! Over the next two weeks, we will have two very special guests for Palm Sunday and Easter. Then, on April 5, we will start a brand new series taught by Stephanie on the Book of Proverbs! So, make sure to FOLLOW the podcast to get a reminder when a new episode drops!Onto today's interview...Have you ever suffered from comparison? Have you ever found yourself sizing yourself up against someone else... and feel superior... or inferior? As Christians, we know better... with our heads. But we fall in the trap of comparison so easily! We've probably heard that we should avoid this trap. Easier said than done! What if there was an alternative?Today Stephanie welcomes Amber Cullum, podcaster, inspirational speaker, wife and mom. They dive deep into the topic of comparison: is it really a trap to avoid at all costs? What if we could instead redefine and recycle comparison to draw us closer to God?In this very real and off-the-cuff conversation, Stephanie and Amber hold each other accountable and remember what truly matters--to find our delight in the glory of God!They start off with the importance of remembering God's faithfulness, especially in our times of unfaithfulness, and move on to the worldviews behind comparison to replace them with a more Godward encounter with comparison. Amber gives us practical advice to overcome an attitude of comparison. What happens when we place someone on a pedestal? How do we tackle the current Christian celebrity culture? What alternatives is Christ offering us? From arrogance to idolatry, our human nature veers away from the freedom of our God-given boundaries to embrace what we think is best for us--much to our detriment. Amber Cullum is the podcast host behind Grace Enough. She is wife to Sam, a mom of 3, and a Physical Therapist turned stay at home mom. She love connecting women with God, people, and resources to spur them on in their walks with Jesus and remind them that God's grace is enough.DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries.In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God.In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus.PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link with friends and family.PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!PAY IT FORWARD!! Would you consider supporting this show today to help others enjoy it for free? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce, and we want to keep putting it in the ears of people!Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. All donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking.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/blog(*ListenNotes ranking, 2023)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!