Trending

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by Kristi McLelland as they explore the beauty and emotional depth of Deuteronomy, reflecting on God's faithfulness and the loving purpose behind His instructions. With warmth and hope, they invite us to remember what God has done, trust His presence in seasons of scarcity or loneliness, and rest in the truth that we are His treasured possession. So grab a cup, pull up a chair, and settle in - we're so glad you're here.

Hello, friend. Welcome back to another Encouraging Word. In Luke 23 we read the account of Jesus appearing before Pilate, of Pilate finding no evidence to charge him, and the crowd demanding the release of another prisoner in exchange for Jesus. It's a remarkable-and literal-picture of what Christ has done for us. He who was blameless took the place of he who was condemned. 

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into the book of Numbers, exploring its surprising themes of communication, intimacy, and God's deeply personal care for His people, reflecting along the way on God's mercy through the story of Moses and the bold, faithful courage of Zelophehad's daughters. It's a hope-filled truth that even in the wilderness, God knows His people by name and never stops drawing them close. Grab a chair and join us on the porch, we saved you a seat.

Hi, friend! Thanks for joining me today on the podcast. The world invites us to work hard, achieve, and prove our worth - society kind of demands we do. The problem is, no one can tell us how much is enough. How many accomplishments or good deeds does it take to offset our blunders and bad days? We'll find the answer in Ephesians 2:8: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God."

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard invite us to see Leviticus through a surprising and grace-filled lens, not as a punitive list of rules, but as a profound love story. Together, they explore how Leviticus was designed to draw God's people into relationship, highlighting the Day of Atonement, the heart of the Mosaic Law, and how these themes echo forward into the New Testament. It's a thoughtful, hope-filled reminder that God's heart has always been about dwelling with His people. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

Pastor Ed Newton joins Levi and Jennie for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious, holy, and deeply healing. From mutual half-Filipino spouses (and the great "Tagalog" debate) to the way Ed grew up as the primary interpreter for his deaf parents, this episode is packed with stories that will make you laugh-and then suddenly swallow a lump in your throat.

Ed opens up about the hidden "not enough" loop that can follow even the most fruitful ministry, the moment (December 26, 2023) he didn't want to live anymore, and how God met him in the rebuild through counseling and recovery. Along the way, you'll hear the powerful origin story behind his book Why Not You? Believing What God Believes About You-and why your worst "kryptonite" might just become the very place God writes your greatest strength.

Connect with us on social!

Ed: @pastorednewton

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Read Why Not You?: https://bit.ly/49UZBI8

Connect with Pastor Ed: https://bit.ly/4t49zQf

Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

0:03:10 - College hoops, ministry dreams, and meeting Stephanie

0:05:32 - The interpreter who changed everything: Ed's salvation story

0:08:04 - Growing up in a deaf home: the miracle backstory

0:17:44 - "God gave you to us": the moment that reframed his life

0:33:42 - "We found you on YouTube": the CBC call and the pivot

0:39:18 - December 26, 2023

Hello, friend! I hope you're doing well. 

In today's Encouraging Word, we're taking a look at the first appearance of grace in Scripture, and you might be surprised where it shows up. But the message is unchanged: grace is not up to the one receiving it. It's up to the One giving it.

Hello, friend! I sure hope you're doing well today!

Being a Promised Land person does not guarantee you a problem-free life. In fact, it guarantees the opposite. In John 16:33, Jesus says, "In this world, you will have trouble." Knowing that, what do you do? Follow the example of Caleb in Joshua, Chapter 14, and set your mind on a holy cause.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison continue their journey through Exodus in part two, diving into themes of leadership, Scripture, and the steady kindness of God's guidance, reminding us that God's faithfulness doesn't depend on our perfection but on His character. So pull up a chair, grab your coffee, and join us on the porch!

Today I'm joined by Michelle, who has been on a journey of saying no to passivity. Being the oldest child in the family, she has had a tendency to become more accommodating than she should. This pattern has followed her into her adulthood and developed into passivity. We talk about 3 important mindset shifts that have to happen in order to see assertiveness as the best way to take care of yourself and others. In order for relationships to be healthy, they have to be balanced! Assertiveness is an important people skill, and we talk through it on this episode of Talk To Me! Dig deeper by ordering my new book People Skills anywhere books are sold. 

The Debra Fileta Counselors Network:

Book a counseling session at the Debra Fileta Counselors Network and get started on your healing journey from the inside out TODAY!

DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of eight books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison are joined by Kristi McLelland as they explore the beauty and emotional depth of Deuteronomy, reflecting on God's faithfulness and the loving purpose behind His instructions. With warmth and hope, they invite us to remember what God has done, trust His presence in seasons of scarcity or loneliness, and rest in the truth that we are His treasured possession. So grab a cup, pull up a chair, and settle in - we're so glad you're here.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into the book of Numbers, exploring its surprising themes of communication, intimacy, and God's deeply personal care for His people, reflecting along the way on God's mercy through the story of Moses and the bold, faithful courage of Zelophehad's daughters. It's a hope-filled truth that even in the wilderness, God knows His people by name and never stops drawing them close. Grab a chair and join us on the porch, we saved you a seat.

In this episode, Point of Grace invites you to join them as they talk about Olympic sports that you won't be able to watch this year (and records for poodle grooming!), a touching story of a friendship that sharpened two reconnected college friends, how Jesus responded to suffering, and tips on how to save time when preparing cilantro. We want to hear your real stories of true friendship! Email us at pointofgracestories@gmail.com and you may even hear it on the podcast! Timestamps: 1:32 What's Up: Caring for Parents, Editing at a Wrestling Match, and Olympic Sports That No Longer Exist 7:40 Circle of Friends: The Best of Male Friendships! Randy, Chris, and Being One Another's Eyes   15:36 What in the Word: Romans 5, Sundays with the President, and Our Response To Suffering   26:42 Circle Up: 20-Year-Old Plant Maintenance, Four-In-One Book Caddies, and the Best Way to Destem Cilantro 

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard invite us to see Leviticus through a surprising and grace-filled lens, not as a punitive list of rules, but as a profound love story. Together, they explore how Leviticus was designed to draw God's people into relationship, highlighting the Day of Atonement, the heart of the Mosaic Law, and how these themes echo forward into the New Testament. It's a thoughtful, hope-filled reminder that God's heart has always been about dwelling with His people. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

Pastor Ed Newton joins Levi and Jennie for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious, holy, and deeply healing. From mutual half-Filipino spouses (and the great "Tagalog" debate) to the way Ed grew up as the primary interpreter for his deaf parents, this episode is packed with stories that will make you laugh-and then suddenly swallow a lump in your throat.

Ed opens up about the hidden "not enough" loop that can follow even the most fruitful ministry, the moment (December 26, 2023) he didn't want to live anymore, and how God met him in the rebuild through counseling and recovery. Along the way, you'll hear the powerful origin story behind his book Why Not You? Believing What God Believes About You-and why your worst "kryptonite" might just become the very place God writes your greatest strength.

Connect with us on social!

Ed: @pastorednewton

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Read Why Not You?: https://bit.ly/49UZBI8

Connect with Pastor Ed: https://bit.ly/4t49zQf

Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

0:03:10 - College hoops, ministry dreams, and meeting Stephanie

0:05:32 - The interpreter who changed everything: Ed's salvation story

0:08:04 - Growing up in a deaf home: the miracle backstory

0:17:44 - "God gave you to us": the moment that reframed his life

0:33:42 - "We found you on YouTube": the CBC call and the pivot

0:39:18 - December 26, 2023

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison take us back into the book of Exodus, one of the most pivotal stories in the Old Testament. Together, they unpack themes of deliverance and bondage, spotlighting the courageous midwives Shiphrah and Puah, the dramatic plagues, and the awe-filled moment at Mount Sinai when God's glory descended in a cloud. Their conversation reminds us that the God who brought His people out of slavery is still bringing freedom and deliverance to His children today. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch! 

 *If you prayed to receive Christ today and would like a complimentary Bible, we'd be honored to send you one. Please reach out to us, available while supplies last.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison continue their journey through Exodus in part two, diving into themes of leadership, Scripture, and the steady kindness of God's guidance, reminding us that God's faithfulness doesn't depend on our perfection but on His character. So pull up a chair, grab your coffee, and join us on the porch!

In today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa & Allison explore the story of Abraham ~ an unlikely hero chosen by God in sheer grace. Together, they unpack God's sovereignty and grace in choosing, calling, and blessing people not because of their merit, but because of His faithfulness. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison walk through portions of Genesis and reflect on how Scripture consistently restores dignity where it's been lost. Whether you're brand new to the Bible or ready to dive deeper, this conversation sets the tone for a year of discovering that there are truly no wasted words in God's story, so pull up a chair and join us on the porch!

In this episode of Back Porch Theology, Allison Allen and Lisa Harper kick off the first episode of 2026 and an exciting new series, No Wasted Words, as we begin walking through the whole Bible together this year. Along the way, we address common misconceptions about Scripture and share our passion for exploring its overarching themes with curiosity, joy, and reverence. Pull up a chair and join us as we step into a new year and a yearlong journey through God's Word, opening Scripture together with honesty, curiosity, and hopeful expectation.