Trending

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard journey through Jeremiah and Lamentations, exploring the prophetic power of humility, obedience, and unwavering faithfulness in difficult seasons. This rich conversation reminds us that even in our deepest lamentations, God remains faithful, forgiving, and near to the brokenhearted. Pull up a chair - we're so glad you are here.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Brooke Ligertwood dive into the beauty, depth, and prophetic hope woven throughout Isaiah. This conversation is a reminder that God is not after performance, He is after our hearts. Pull up a chair, we're so glad you are here. Book Reference: The Prophecy of Isaiah - J. Alec Motyer

Hello, my friend. You've probably heard the phrase, "The only constant in life is change." Chances are, you're facing some changes right now. If you're struggling with the unknown or worried about what's ahead of you, may the promise of Psalm 23 remind you that whatever you face, you are never, ever alone. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." (Psalm 23:6)

Hello, my friend. Thanks for joining me today. You're likely familiar with the story of the first sin. The moment in the Garden of Eden when Eve defied God's instruction to not eat the fruit from one specific tree. But have you ever considered what was at war in Eve's mind and heart? Maybe she wasn't simply prideful, or disobedient, but perhaps she was first afraid?

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into the beauty, mystery, and intimacy of Song of Solomon. Together, they explore the poetic imagery, allegorical themes, and surprising significance of female voices throughout the book, while unpacking how Song of Solomon ultimately points to the deep affection God has for His people. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, lean into the heart of God, and rest in the reality that you are fully known and deeply loved. So pull up a chair and stay awhile.

Hello, friend. Welcome back to the Encouraging Word Podcast. Today's episode finds us considering one of the most common human emotions: worry. And in Matthew Chapter 14, we're reminded of one of God's most enduring promises: with Jesus, you always have enough. 

Jennie Lusko is the guest - on her own podcast - to celebrate the release of her new devotional Fresh Mercies Every Day, a 40-day book drawn from decades of her personal journals (yes, she has over 100 of them, all laid out chronologically on the floor). Levi, Jennie, and their firstborn daughter Alivia dig into the writing process, Jennie's lifelong journaling habit that started at age eight, and what it actually looks like to receive God's mercy instead of just trying to earn it. Plus: Jennie's most-prayed prayers, her quiet time hacks, and the Jurassic Park speech Levi somehow turns into a tribute to his wife.

Connect with us on social!

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Fresh Mercies Everyday: https://bit.ly/4dPREWB

Passion + TAYA + Luskos on Tour: https://bit.ly/4fS5Lxa

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:

00:02:27 - Levi confesses he secretly read the book before Jennie gave it to him 

00:07:38 - Alivia's Japan mission trip

00:10:56 - The story behind Fresh Mercies Every Day 

00:17:06 - Over 100 journals laid out across the floor 

00:30:16 - How do you stop trying to earn mercy and just receive it? 

00:36:33 - Jennie's quiet time ingredients (and the timer trick)

Tara Leigh Cobble, host of the The Bible Recap Podcast, joins u today to talk about how reading the Bible changed her life and how to find joy in the presence of God no matter your circumstance. It is a timely episode that you don't wan't to miss!

On today's Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into the wisdom literature of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, exploring the contrast between Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly and what it means to live with discernment in a complicated world. From stories about parenting and boundaries to the reminder that life is fleeting and God is faithful, this conversation is both practical and hopeful. Pull up a chair and come hang out on the porch with us!

Hi, friend. I hope you're doing well today. We're in the midst of a series here on the podcast looking at occasions Jesus instructed us to not be anxious or afraid. Today we're going to Matthew chapters 24 and 25, to the final week of Jesus' life. He knows what awaits him, but his admonition to his disciples remains the same: Don't be afraid.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Brooke Ligertwood dive into the beauty, depth, and prophetic hope woven throughout Isaiah. This conversation is a reminder that God is not after performance, He is after our hearts. Pull up a chair, we're so glad you are here. Book Reference: The Prophecy of Isaiah - J. Alec Motyer

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard journey through Jeremiah and Lamentations, exploring the prophetic power of humility, obedience, and unwavering faithfulness in difficult seasons. This rich conversation reminds us that even in our deepest lamentations, God remains faithful, forgiving, and near to the brokenhearted. Pull up a chair - we're so glad you are here.

In this week's message, "The Story of the Woman Who Wouldn't Stop Asking," Pastor Tauren Wells reminds us that persistent prayer is the evidence of a heart that still believes God is able to heal, restore, deliver, and move in impossible situations. Through the powerful story in Luke 18, we're challenged to develop a faith that keeps asking, keeps trusting, and refuses to quit when the answer feels delayed. No matter how long the journey has been, this message will encourage you to keep believing that God's promises still stand.

 

Message Notes: https://linkly.link/2jLtg 

 

Scripture References:

Luke 18:1-8

Psalm 18:2

Galatians 6:9

Psalm 41:3

Exodus 15:26

Proverbs 4:20-22

1 Peter 2:24

Jeremiah 30:17

 

Join us on Sunday's!

9a | 10:45a | 12:30p

10:45a - Champions Club (our Special Needs Program for ages 4-12)

12:30p - ASL & Spanish Translation

 

Location:

The Crossover

1717 Scottsdale Dr

Cedar Park, TX 78641

 

To support Whitestone give today:

YourwhitestoneChurch of Whitestone | Give 

 

Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourwhitestone?igsh=MXd4a3RxbngzZmlpbw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16RZ6ZZBFk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Sit down with the Luskos and Jackie Hill Perry for a conversation on the church's response to homosexuality, how God's holiness leads us to freedom, and writing words that matter. 

Links: 

Connect with Levi: levilusko.com @levilusko on social media

Connect with Jennie: jennielusko.com or @jennielusko on social media

Connect with Fresh Life Church: freshlife.church or @freshlife on social media

Connect with Jackie Hill Perry: jackiehillperry.com or @jackiehillperry on social media

Holier Than Thou

Gay Girl Good God

What's up! This week on the POGcast, the girls are talking about summer haircuts, friendships that carry you through every season (and sightings of the unofficial Point of Grace!), and the real joys of being a child of God. 

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:

2:26 What's Up: Sunshine, Summer Cuts, and the K-LOVE Fan Awards 

7:25 Circle of Friends: Cruises, Music, and Some Real-Life Golden Girls 

14:08 What in the Word: John 1, Tim Keller, and the Joys of Being a Child of God 

24:02 Circle Up: Catalina Crunch, Zazzle.com Personalized Playing Cards, and "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison dive into the beauty, mystery, and intimacy of Song of Solomon. Together, they explore the poetic imagery, allegorical themes, and surprising significance of female voices throughout the book, while unpacking how Song of Solomon ultimately points to the deep affection God has for His people. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, lean into the heart of God, and rest in the reality that you are fully known and deeply loved. So pull up a chair and stay awhile.

Sit down with Jennie, Levi, and his dad, Chip as they recount stories of childhood, upbringing, origin stories, parenting, and leaving a legacy.

Connect with us on social!

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

Chip: @chiplusko

Jennie Lusko is the guest - on her own podcast - to celebrate the release of her new devotional Fresh Mercies Every Day, a 40-day book drawn from decades of her personal journals (yes, she has over 100 of them, all laid out chronologically on the floor). Levi, Jennie, and their firstborn daughter Alivia dig into the writing process, Jennie's lifelong journaling habit that started at age eight, and what it actually looks like to receive God's mercy instead of just trying to earn it. Plus: Jennie's most-prayed prayers, her quiet time hacks, and the Jurassic Park speech Levi somehow turns into a tribute to his wife.

Connect with us on social!

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Fresh Mercies Everyday: https://bit.ly/4dPREWB

Passion + TAYA + Luskos on Tour: https://bit.ly/4fS5Lxa

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:

00:02:27 - Levi confesses he secretly read the book before Jennie gave it to him 

00:07:38 - Alivia's Japan mission trip

00:10:56 - The story behind Fresh Mercies Every Day 

00:17:06 - Over 100 journals laid out across the floor 

00:30:16 - How do you stop trying to earn mercy and just receive it? 

00:36:33 - Jennie's quiet time ingredients (and the timer trick)

Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology took place in Wilmore, KY, on the campus of Asbury Theological Seminary, because Alli and I had the phenomenal privilege of spending time with one of our favorite - and I mean one of the most favorite of all our favorites - Bible scholars, Dr. Craig Keener. I quote or cite Dr. Keener all the time because his book on hermeneutics, his commentaries on the New Testament, and his classic Bible Background Commentary are some of the sturdiest scaffolding I've built my Christocentric belief system on. He's the one I paraphrase every time I say, "If you get out of the Bible what you were expecting to get out of the Bible, you need to raise your expectations!" because Dr. Keener is among the wise saints who've taught me that the redemptive truisms in this divine love letter we call the Bible are always bigger and better than our finite human minds can comprehend! His life's work proves that Scripture isn't a flat text to memorize or a proposition to study, but it provides a way for us to engage with the only true God who sees us and loves us, and is always in pursuit of our hearts. For Alli and I, getting to spend the day with Dr. Keener felt like being junior high kids who love singing in the choir but aren't particularly melodic, yet we got invited to harmonize with Pavarotti! And the best part about this conversation wasn't even the wisdom bombs he humbly dropped, y'all - it was how his heart is surely bigger than his extraordinary brain because even though Dr. Keener is a world-renowned New Testament scholar, almost every time he talked about the love Jesus has lavished him with, his eyes welled up with tears. I'm telling you, this man walks with God and just being in his presence helped us lean more fully into our Savior's embrace. So please grab a cup of coffee (or one of those fancy electrolyte-enhanced waters) and your Bible - unless you're picking dog hairs off your black jeans, of course - and come spend some time on the porch with us.

Do It Anyway is available wherever you buy books.

Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is all about the contextual biblical scaffolding for a series we're calling the Theology of Worship. But lest you think we're going to be talking about the three or four songs before a sermon or our preferred style of music, let me assure you this conversation isn't just for people who can carry a tune or for those who know how to navigate their Apple music ap! Frankly, our tendency to associate worship solely with music is like limiting ourselves to one food group for every single meal for the rest of our lives - I love Tex Mex y'all, but if I had to eat chips and queso three times a day, every day, for the rest of my life it would be sadly and unnecessarily reductive! In the Christian context, worship is so much wider and deeper and more comprehensive than a song list or a musical genre. Case in point, listen to what one of our favorite theologians here at BPT - Dr. N.T. Wright - says about the centrality of worship: All kingdom work is rooted in worship. Or, to put it the other way around, worshipping the God we see at work in Jesus is the most politically charged act we can ever perform. Christian worship decares that Jesus is Lord and that therefore, by strong implication, nobody else is. What's more, it doesn't just declare it as something to be believed, like the fact that the sun is hot or the sea wet. It commits the worshipper to allegiance, to following this Jesus, to being shaped and directed by him. Worshipping the God we see in Jesus orients our whole being, our imagination, our will, our hopes, and our fears away from the world where Mars, Mammon, and Aphrodite (violence, money, and sex) make absolute demands and punish anyone who resists. It orients us instead to a world in which love is stronger than death, the poor are promised the kingdom, and chastity (whether married or single) reflects the holiness and faithfulness of God himself. Acclaiming Jesus as Lord plants a flag that supersedes the flags of our nations, however "free" or "democratic" they may be. In other words, WORSHIP is the fruit and fuel of our faith, the flagpole we rally around as those who've been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Worship is the very essence of our spiritual DNA. Just as a half dozen and six communicate the same number of eggs, to have faith in Jesus Christ and to be a worshipper should be synonymous. Worship isn't simply a verb for the musically inclined among us, it should be the passionate preoccupation of God's people. Okay, as you can tell we're pretty fired up today so you'd better grab a cup of something caffeinated and your Bible - unless you're listening to this while simultaneously trying to figure out how to increase the incline on the treadmill at the gym you just joined because you're determined to ditch the Spanx in 2025 - and come hang out on the porch with us for some genuine, digital community and hopefully some real encouragement. We're really grateful to get to spend this time hanging out with y'all.