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Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're talking about the spiritual discipline of fasting - the willingness to forgo food, or social media, or some other physical or emotional comfort in order to focus more of our attention and affection on God.
One of my favorite ancient theologians, Thomas A'Kempis, wrote this in his classic book "The Imitation of Christ": True peace of heart therefore is found by resisting our passions, not by obeying them. Our Savior is the only One who can master us without abusing us. And sometimes, allowing ourselves to feel physical hunger pains is what prompts us to lean more fully into Jesus to satisfy the spiritual hunger in our hearts and minds.
We're diving in pretty deep today y'all, so please grab a tall glass of something refreshing, along with your Bible and a notebook or sticky pad and come hang out on the porch with us. We're so grateful we get to spend this time with you.
Hello, friend. I hope you're having a good day.
Today's episode is a bit of a history lesson. We're going back to first century Rome, to the time of the apostle Paul and the emperor Nero. Readers of the New Testament have learned a lot from Paul, but the life of Nero offers a critical lesson as well.
What do you do when you've done everything right, but still face an impenetrable wall? In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks the story of Joshua and the Israelites to reveal powerful principles for possessing God's promises-even when obstacles stand in your way. You'll discover why seasons of cutting away are necessary, how to embrace change in new seasons, and the importance of keeping faith when nothing seems to be shifting. You'll leave encouraged to trust God's timing, silence the doubt, and believe for the miraculous.
What you'll learn:
Why every new season requires letting go of something old.
How to keep walking in faith when you see no progress.
Practical ways to silence doubt and stand on God's promises.
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here.
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Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
Hi, friend. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the Encouraging Word Podcast.
If you've been listening to the podcast the past few weeks, you know we're talking about finding a new way of living through better thinking. So maybe you're ready to tackle some of those specific negative thought patterns that weigh us down. Guilt is a big one - all the should haves that hound us. But here's the good news: God has given us a tool to help deal with our guilt.
In today's episode, Ruth's sitting down with a younger woman she's discipling to talk about mentoring relationships. Listen in as they share what's working for them and offer encouragement for both sides of intentional mentoring relationships.
Scripture referenced:
Titus 2
Proverbs 11:14
Resources mentioned:
Better Together by Melissa Kruger
You are a Theologian by Jen Wilkin & J.T. English
Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is the first in a 4-part series exploring the biblical foundations of "Spiritual Formation."
There are lots of strong opinions regarding which practices in particular should be included in a classic spiritual formation plan, but we're only going to cover a couple here on BPT, beginning with table fellowship. Have you ever noticed how often Jesus gathered around a table with His friends and disciples and shared a meal?
The Gospels include as many depictions of our Savior eating as it does Him praying! Frankly, sharing meals and worshipping God are synergistic throughout the Bible. Please grab your favorite beverage, a couple of snacks, and your Bible then come prop your feet up on the porch with us. We're really glad you're here!
Resilience isn't built in comfort-it's formed in the fire. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with her longtime friend and pastor, Holly Wagner, for a deeply personal and hope-filled conversation on longevity in leadership, lasting friendships, and staying true to your calling through every season. From pioneering ministry in Los Angeles to transitioning leadership after 35 years, Holly shares wisdom forged through grief, betrayal, church hurt, and hard-won joy. If you've ever felt burned out, bitter, or ready to give up, this conversation will remind you that perseverance is worth it-and that leadership rooted in Jesus will always bear fruit.
SHOW NOTES:
Building a Legacy that Lasts
Holly reflects on 35 years of ministry, the transition of church leadership, and why she's committed to investing in the next generation of leaders.
Leading Through the Hardest Seasons
From losing her father to navigating betrayal, cancer, and church hurt, Holly shares how gratitude, faith, and friendship helped her stay the course.
The Power of Lifelong Friendship
Christine and Holly open up about their 30-year friendship-and how choosing intentionality over convenience has shaped their leadership and healing.
The Trap of Platform Culture
They discuss the dangers of performance-driven ministry and why real transformation begins with humility, not hype.
Leadership Rooted in Jesus, Not Comparison
Holly explains how a global upbringing and grace-filled parenting helped her lead without jealousy, competition, or compromise.
Find Holly on Instagram at @hollywagnerla
Connect with her ministry at sherises.com
Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine
Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast.
You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine.
We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.
No matter where a woman has influence - in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry - Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.
Ever felt like your faith is hanging by a thread? In this episode, Christine Caine shares the truth about what it means to live by faith when you don't feel full of faith. Through Scripture and story, she reveals how trusting God is less about your feelings and more about your foundation. If you've ever questioned whether God is still working behind the scenes, this message will encourage you to stay grounded in truth.
You'll learn:
Why it's possible to have faith even when you feel fear
The difference between being rooted in truth vs. led by emotions
How to walk in trust even when you don't see results
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here.
+ + + + +
Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
Hello, my friend. I hope you're well.
What do you think of when you hear the word "meditation"? Perhaps a yoga class or quiet chanting or one of those mindfulness apps on your phone? You might think of the phrase "Clear your mind." Well as you learn to tame your thoughts, you'll discover that an empty mind is not the goal. When you banish the bad thoughts, seek to replace them with good thoughts. Meditate on God's Word and fill your mind with his goodness.
Kari and Cody Carnes join Levi and Jennie for a heartwarming and joy-filled conversation about faith, family, and the unexpected moments that shape their journey. From their son Kingston's incredible story of stepping onto the worship stage at just six years old to Canyon's thoughtful spiritual depth, this episode paints a beautiful picture of raising kids in ministry while keeping family at the center.
The couples also share hilarious and awe-inspiring adventures-from Glacier National Park hikes without snacks or water (thank God for angelic cliff bar encounters!) to bear sightings and summer nights in Montana. Along the way, they dive into songwriting, the upcoming Passion tour, what God is teaching them through Scripture and prayer, and why pure worship matters more than ever.
Connect with us on social!
Kari: @karijobe
Cody: @codycarnes
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Listen to Kari on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3V40gQH
Listen to Kari on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/46z2ixB
Listen to Cody on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4m3Bhry
Listen to Cody on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/3VEpR2F
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
Time Stamps
0:01:24 - Kingston's journey from pots and pans to the worship stage
0:06:53 - Preparing for tour with Passion and Louie Giglio's new book
0:13:00 - Hiking Glacier without snacks or water (and the angelic cliff bar)
0:16:15 - Grizzly bears at full sprint: the wildest Montana moment
0:19:00 - Raising kids who hear from God and carry spiritual depth
0:24:05 - Lessons from 2 Kings and the call to pure worship
