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

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/“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 75 - Have you ever wondered if there was more to prayer than you've experienced?Stephanie welcomes Janet McHenry today for a refreshing look at the importance of prayerwalking. You've maybe heard the term. Do you know what it means, and how simple it actually is?Few practices yield as many results and exciting growth as prayerwalking. Janet McHenry discovered the organic connection between praying and walking out of necessity--for health reasons. But she discovered far more than that--she discovered a lifestyle, the lifestyle of praying all day long as easily as breathing.Janet tells us,"Prayer is more about access, than about answers.""God wants to pray big. He wants us to pray boldly." "The world can become your prayer-closet."Janet is giving a copy of her bestselling book, Prayerwalking, to one Gospel Spice Podcast listener! Go to gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win. Winner announced in our next episode!Janet McHenry is a prayerwalker. A national speaker and author of 24 books, she has written six on the topic of prayer, including the bestselling PrayerWalk and her newest, The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus. Janet and her husband Craig have lived in the Sierra Valley in northern California, where they raised their four children and where he is a rancher. The leader of a Facebook group called Bible Girls, she coordinates the prayer ministries at The Bridge Church in Reno. The best spice to her Bible study, she says, was her and Craig’s trip to Israel, where she spoke at several places where Jesus walked and prayed. 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 using to listen to this episode): 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/  GOSPELSPICE GIVEAWAY WITH JANET MCHENRY!Janet is generously giving away a copy of her bestselling book, PrayerWalk. Go to gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win! We will announce the winners next week on the website.The winners to Carol Kent's giveaway of Staying Power, as advertised last week, are in the process of being drawn at random from the submissions we received. We will announce the winners shortly on the website! Stay tuned!STAY IN TOUCH WITH JANET:Looking Up! website and blog: https://www.janetmchenry.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/janet.mchenry.9https://www.facebook.com/JanetMcHenryAuthor/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janetmchenry/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LookingUpFirstInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetmchenry/  @janetmchenryLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-mchenry-18793b24/-----------DID YOU KNOW?The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools brought to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. Would you consider supporting this show today? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce. For the price of a cup of coffee or two, your monthly support of $5 or $10 would make a huge difference! Donate HERE today.The Gospel Spice Ministries exist to inspire Christ-followers in our generation to delight in the glory of God by knowing and experiencing Jesus more intimately. 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.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.“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 74 - Stephanie is thrilled to welcome bestselling author and international speaker Carol Kent. We tackle many topics around the theme of external circumstances bringing strain on marriages, and the great crises of life.Carol shares with openess and vulnerability about the unfathomable struggle of her only son's lifetime incarceration for first degree murder. In this context, she is co-author of her latest book, Staying Power.Too often, when a life crisis hits, a marriage suffers--even a healthy one--and all the personality profiles and couples' therapy in the world won't keep your marriage from experiencing the tough stuff. So how do you and your spouse face the stresses put on your marriage and not only stay together but come out on the other side even more loving and committed?“This book addresses the choices, practices, and principles that can make a marriage stronger when faced with the types of crises that come from outside the marriage through no choice of the husband or wife — life crises that we all are hit with at some point,” write the authors. 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 using to listen to this episode): 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/ GOSPELSPICE GIVEAWAY WITH CAROL KENTCarol is giving two copies of her bestselling book, Staying Power, to two Gospel Spice Podcast listeners! Go to gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win. Winner announced in our next episode! GET TO KNOW CAROL KENT“What makes my heart sing?” asks Carol. “Speaking to groups looking for messages that include humor and hope that speak to today’s challenges by pointing to God’s Word.” She says, “I think women need to laugh because life is challenging, but I also think they want to go deeply into God’s Word and find out how to live in the middle of relationship struggles, difficult choices, and hidden fears. Women are longing for authenticity and practical strategies for living out their faith. I’ve spoken at large arena events for Women of Faith, Extraordinary Women, and Women of Joy.You will find Carol at carolkent.org - Go check out the amazing wealth of resources that are available there, on so many topics! Make sure to purchase Staying Power everywhere books are sold.Go to speakupforhope.org to find out more about this amazing prison ministry.-----------DID YOU KNOW?The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools brought to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. Would you consider supporting this show today? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce. For the price of a cup of coffee or two, your monthly support of $5 or $10 would make a huge difference! Donate HERE today.The Gospel Spice Ministries exist to inspire Christ-followers in our generation to delight in the glory of God by knowing and experiencing Jesus more intimately. 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.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.“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 71 - Stephanie welcomes Darren Carlson, executive producer of the famous award-winning movie, Jesus in Athens. John Piper called it "moving and convicting." Training Leaders International president Darren Carlson came to Athens with the intention of teaching the Bible to migrant leaders. That was the start of a seven-year journey, as he began to uncover the story God was telling. Based on hundreds of hours of research, this is the story of some of the most marginalized people in the world, God’s chosen outcasts, as they come out of darkness and into light. Viewers are brought face to face with the miraculous and the ordinary, as Christians show hospitality to Muslim refugees, while being transformed from fear to love.Darren Carlson says on the Gospel Spice Podcast, "Our expectation of God is limited to our experience. And consequently, our prayer life is limited to what we expect Him to do." So, are you ready to watch Him blow open your expectations as you watch Him at work through Jesus in Athens?Jesus in Athens is the compelling story of the ways Christians are serving migrants, and how Muslims are encountering the love of God and Christians, believing the gospel, and forming churches.In 2015, over a million migrants entered Europe, most of them through Greece. But on their journey, something quite unexpected has occurred. Religious conversions and revival broke out, especially amongst Muslims fleeing their war-torn countries. So, join us as we meet the people who feed and clothe some of the most marginalized people in the world. Gather with the chosen outcasts, as they come out of darkness and into light. Witness the miraculous. See the love of Christians toward people who were told Christians would hate them. Watch churches spring into action – entertaining strangers, showing hospitality, learning to reject hatred and fear. This is the story of God, gathering people and nations to himself, in a crisis.“It will make your heart burst to watch the hands and feet of Christ serving the outcasts in Athens!” — DAVE & GLORIA FURMAN / AUTHORS“Opens your eyes to the stories of Christians who are showing the love of Christ to desperate, vulnerable people.” — MATTHEW SOERENS / WORLD RELIEF“Tales of rescue, boldness, and hope show how God is drawing many refugees into his kingdom.” — BOB PECKHAM / FRONTIERS“Superbly depicts how God is moving powerfully among people who are on the move.” — SAM GEORGE / LAUSANNEDarren Carlson is the executive producer and writer of Jesus in Athens. He is the founder of Training Leaders International, and now serves with a staff of over 50 people around the world, providing theological training to underserved and undertrained areas. Jesus in Athens is a result of his PhD research on the migrant church communities in Athens.Find it all at jesusinathens.com and stream for free on Amazon Prime. Go to the shownotes for the trailer.Go to gospelspice.com for more resources.“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 68 - Stephanie is totally giddy to welcome one of her dream guests, Margaret Feinberg, to celebrate the beginning of a new year, unique among all others.When they first met, Stephanie was drawn to the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in Margaret; this triggered a curiosity that is led to today's episode! They talk about Margaret's latest book, More Power to You, and they invite you to start 2021 with this 52-devotions powerhouse of a book to embrace God's full purpose for you in 2021.Margaret says, “I devoted two minutes to reading through the list [of declarations]—often out loud,” Feinberg says. “One by one, I rejected the lies I’d accepted as truth and made bold Daily Declarations rooted in Scripture about God’s goodness, the fierce love of Christ, and my worth. Seventy-two hours later, [her husband] Leif said, ‘Something’s radically different about you—you’re lighter and freer than I’ve seen in months.’”Margaret is giving three Gospel Spice Podcast listeners a copy of her book, More Power to You! All you need to do is go to gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win one of the three copies. Winners will be announced next week.Margaret Feinberg, one of America's most beloved Bible teachers, speaks at churches and leading conferences including Catalyst, Thrive, and Women of Joy. Her books, including Wonderstruck, Fight Back With Joy, and Scouting the Divine and their corresponding Bible studies, have sold more than one million copies and received critical acclaim and national media coverage from CNN, Associated Press, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and more. She was named one of fifty women most shaping culture and the church today by Christianity Today. Margaret savors life with her husband, Leif, a pastor in Park City, Utah, and their superpup, Hershey.Did you enjoy this episode? Then you will LOVE our Gospel Spice series! Click to listen to 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.The Gospel Spice Ministries exist to inspire Christ-followers in our generation to delight in the glory of God by knowing and experiencing Jesus more intimately. 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.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.“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 67 - Stephanie Welcomes Connie Albers to look back at 2020 to place it in its proper place even as it comes to an end. How did God use 2020 to grow you? How has 2020 allowed you to remodel areas of your life that needed attention?Connie and her family have been through 2020 bearing much loss and grief. We can all relate, and like many of us, her experience has been particularly extreme. So, she comes today to share the lessons she learned, and the insights she gleaned. What will you remember about 2020? How will you look back on 2020, and reflect on how God worked in your soul and in your relationships? How can we look at grief as a way to detox from self to grow deeper into God? How can we get ready for difficult times ahead, process bad times behind, and alltogether cling to God in all our ways?Take a moment to reflect back, in order to look ahead today. What are YOUR dreams for 2021??Connie Albers gave away two copies of her book, Parenting beyond the Rules, as part of our New Year 2021 giveaway. The winners were @amplifybiblestudy (instagram account) and Kristene H. This particular giveaway is now closed, but we have several new ones scheduled! Go to gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win!Connie Albers is an author, podcaster, and speaker who is strengthening parents through her speaking, podcasting, and various leadership roles. More recently, Connie entered the publishing world with her new #1 ranked Amazon Hot New Release book Parenting beyond the Rules, which outlines positive approaches to parenting today’s teenagers. She is featured on the Focus on the Family broadcast, “Best of 2020 for Parenting” on Focus on the Family, The Busy Mom podcast, 100 Huntley Street, and a columnist for Home Homeschooling Today magazine and contributor for Focus on the Family.She is a respected leader, social media enthusiast, and trusted mom who understands the challenges of balancing the demands of work, motherhood, marriage, and homeschool. Connie and her husband, Tom, have been married 36 years and have five adult children. She loves equipping women in their walk with the Lord and helping them navigate the season of life. Join the community at www.ConnieAlbers.com or listen to the Equipped To Be podcast for relevant tips with humor. -----------DID YOU KNOW?The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools brought to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. Would you consider supporting this show today? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce. For the price of a cup of coffee or two, your monthly support of $5 or $10 would make a huge difference! Donate HERE today.The Gospel Spice Ministries exist to inspire Christ-followers in our generation to delight in the glory of God by knowing and experiencing Jesus more intimately. 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.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.“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 65 - In this special Christmas episode, Stephanie welcomes Cynthia Ruchti to discuss the role of light in our lives. Using her latest novel, Afraid of the Light, we tackle the root issues of any form of hoarding--whether as a mental illness, or a struggle, or a spiritual tendency reflecting a sin of the heart. To celebrate Christmas, Cynthia gave away two copies of her latest book, Afraid of the Light, to two Gospel Spice listeners! The winners were Marci R. and Sammy B. This particular giveaway is now closed, but we have several new ones scheduled! Go to gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win!Also, please consider making a tax-deductible donation this year to support our ministry! We provide you with free high-quality content each week, and we hope that you will consider helping us spread the good news of Christ ever further! For details, go to gospelspice.com/donate. Thank you!What is Afraid of the Light all about? This special Christmas episode invites you to delve into the little-known ramifications of hoarding. Whether you know a hoarder or not, you will find that Afraid of the Light beckons you into the depths of your own heart.Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope through novels, nonfiction, devotionals, and speaking events. She serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a frequent speaker at writers conferences across the country. She married her grade school sweetheart, and the two live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.Quotes from the book:"Light had a way of piercing all kinds of darkness.""The emotional darkness that enshrouds a person with a compulsive hoarding disorder keeps them from seeing. Normal to them is darkness. . . . . Your loved one isn't resisting the light. He or she may be afraid of it.""She wasn't their saving grace. But if she could point them--Point them to it. Pull back the curtain and let in the light."You will find Cynthia at cynthiaruchti.com and hemmedinhope.com------SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOU!! "A Gospel Spice Christmas" is a brand new five-day devotional and reading plan available exclusively on YouVersion / the Bible App. Do you long for fresh spices to flavor your spiritual experience of the Incarnation of Christ? Are you tired of stale clichés that taste like microwaved Christmas dinner leftovers? Are you hungry for an explosion of fresh flavors in your Christmas devotions? Experience a Gospel Spice Christmas alongside the shepherds, and discover how to make your life a daily nativity scene where Christ can be born in ever-deepening ways.Click here or go to your YouVersion Bible App on your phone, and search "Gospel Spice." It is our gift to you! Enjoy!-----------DID YOU KNOW?The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. Would you consider supporting this show today? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce. For the price of a cup of coffee, your monthly support of $5 or $10 would make a huge difference! Contact us to donate by Credit Card, or donate via PayPal.The Gospel Spice Ministries exist to inspire Christ-followers in our generation to delight in the glory of God by knowing and experiencing Jesus more intimately. 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.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. Contact us to donate by Credit Card, or donate via PayPal. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 62 - Stephanie welcomes Merritt Onsa, who longs to see the love of Jesus set women free from the bondage of fear, comparison and imposter syndrome. We talk at length about the concept and danger of imposter syndrome, and how we can remediate by following Christ in deeper ways! In this honest and transparent conversation, we engage in our own struggles to come alongside others and, together, dream the dreams that God has ordained for us.As host of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast, Merritt creates faith-based media and programs that help Christian women move forward with God’s truth to pursue the dreams He’s put on their hearts. Her podcast is full of real talk about the fears and challenges we face when we attempt courageous things and why we must do them anyway.You will find Merrit here:http://bit.ly/impostersyndromeresolvedIG: @merrittjoTwitter: @merrittoFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devoteddreamers/“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 61 (Psalms, 6th and final session) – We are continuing our conversation about despair and darkness in the Psalms (see Episode 60 for Part 1). We are looking at what matters more than the label you can put on your darkness: the places where God calls us to go.Psalms 88 and 39 are utterly dark, without any shred of hope. Even in their despair, they show us the way to God. Keep talking to Him when things seem hopeless. Don’t shut HIM out—even if you feel like it. Acknowledge His presence in your lonely places.It’s not just despair. Worry can take us to dark places, too. A loss of perspective can lead us to a loss of proportion. So, we’re taking a field trip to the book of Job today. It is the perfect WHY book, because it shows us what to do with our questions: to still cling to God through our why questions. A sacrifice of praise is the key out of our dark places. That’s Job’s lesson. It’s Jesus’ experience on the Cross (for the joy set before Him…).We get a taste of the prodigal son's whys--and how he answered them in ways that restored relationship, unlike the older brother. They too role-model how to handle our whys... and the consequences of our choices. Will we pout for a goat, when we are offered the kingdom?Jesus role-modeled the humility of surrendering His human whys to His heavenly Father. Exploring His heart leads us to experience His peace. amidst our own whys. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Episode 60 (Psalms, 5th session)– Stephanie invites us into two very special Psalms that answer our “why” questions with the very wisdom of God.Psalms 42 and 43 take us into the depths of depression, where we ask the hard WHY questions until we get to the core of the answer. How can Scripture teach us to find joy in our pain? Why is a longing for God the starting point to healing from despair?What does Scripture teach about sorrow and despair? More importantly, what does Scripture tell us about the heart of God on these matters? Stephanie calls a Hebrew word to the rescue to study God’s faithfulness and trace back the roots of truth to God’s lovingkindness. We also look at what true leading looks like, and how the right path is the way to intimacy with God.Part 2 coming up next week, as we conclude our taste tour of the Psalms!“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!