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Today's conversation is a first on Back Porch Theology because we've chosen three highlights from the entire library of our previous 188 podcasts and put them together in a special Best-Views-From-the-Porch episode that we hope not only puts a smile on your fact but helps you lean more fully into the unconditional love of our Creator Redeemer. And spoiler alert: we're covering a wide swath of biblical territory today - from Ezer Kenegdo in Genesis to synergos in Romans - so you might want to bring some high energy snacks and don't forget your Bible. Alli, Dr. Howard and I are so glad you're here - it's both an honor and a delight for us to get to spend this time focusing our attention and affection on Jesus with y'all! Thank you very much for choosing to carve out the time to hang out with us.
Hi, friend. Thank you for joining me on the podcast this week.
Today's episode is about UFOs. No, not that kind. I'm using the term UFO to describe those destructive thought patterns that leave us stuck in what the Bible calls strongholds. But there is hope! When you learn to identify and deal with them, those scary, odd-looking UFOs will stop taking up space in your brain.
Have you ever felt like what you have isn't enough for what God is asking? In this episode, Christine Caine dives into the story of Elijah and the widow in 1 Kings 17 to show how God uses unlikely people in unlikely places with unlikely strategies to produce miraculous outcomes. If you've ever felt stuck, small, or scared to trust again, this episode will ignite your faith and remind you that God does His best work when the odds look impossible.
What you'll learn:
- Why the miracle is often on the other side of your obedience.
- How to stop focusing on what you lack and trust what God has placed in your hands.
- What to do when your miracle needs a miracle.
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.
Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is a sequel because Alli and I got to hang out with one of our dear friends, Professor Kristi McLelland. This snippet from Kristi's new book, Feasting on God's Word, will give you a glimpse of the adventure we're diving into today: "Life is both long and short. It has high and low moments. The promise of the Bible is that God is with us in and through it all. He has never been afraid of entering into the dust and ruin; restoration renewal, and repair are part of who He is." We're diving in pretty deep today y'all, so I'd encourage you to lean in and listen when you've got some breathing space and a little elbow room for the great, big, beautiful - albeit possibly weary - heart of yours. So please grab your favorite beverage, some yummy snacks, and that divine love letter we call the Bible. Then pull up a chair and prop your feet up on the porch with Alli, Professor Kristi, and me - we're grateful you've carved out the time and space to be with us today.
Hi friend, Max Lucado here. As an Encouraging Word listener, I want to share with you an exclusive preview of my new audiobook, Tame Your Thoughts. This message is for anyone who embraces the promise found in Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." I pray it encourages you.
You don't need a platform to lead-you need a heart that's surrendered. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with pastor and author Dr. Donna Pisani for a rich conversation about calling, obedience, and what it means to lead with confidence in a world that doesn't always make space for women. Whether you're leading from a platform or a prayer closet, this episode will encourage you to trust God's timing, embrace your voice, and carry the kind of leadership that looks like Jesus.
SHOW NOTES:
From Pioneering to Pastoring
Donna shares her unexpected journey from global ministry to church planting in Washington D.C.-and what she learned about obedience, longevity, and spiritual grit.
Your Voice Has Resurrection in It
Donna unpacks the moment in Scripture when Jesus appeared to Mary first-and how that moment redefines the authority and voice of women in ministry.
The Danger of Entitled Leadership
Entitlement can come from ego or insecurity. Donna explains why recognizing leadership as a sacred trust changes how we lead and serve.
Discovering the "Smart" God Gave You
You don't need to sound like anyone else. Donna encourages women to uncover their unique gifts and stop comparing their voice to someone else's.
Intimacy Over Image
Christine and Donna talk about leading from the secret place, not for public validation-and how daily time with Jesus is what keeps leadership pure and sustainable.
Follow Donna Pisani @donnapisani
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.
From Buc-ee's brisket sandwiches to the hard realities of ministry life, Levi tackles your live questions in this special Q&A episode-while Jennie's out battling a migraine. Hear stories of unexpected "miracles," valuable advice for young ministers, tips for first-time flyers, how to handle disappointment, and why Levi trusts strangers with his screen time code. Packed with wisdom, laughs, and some rodeo-night anticipation, this one's all over the map in the best way possible.
Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
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Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
Time Stamps
04:49 - Buc-ee's brisket, breakfast burritos & carnivore diet confessions
15:49 - God's timing vs. forcing open doors in ministry
24:34 - Why friendships outside of ministry matter
31:11 - Leaving the light on for people who walk away
48:23 - Why Levi doesn't know his own screen time code
During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology Alli and I have the distinct privilege of diving deep into this divine love letter we call the Bible with one of our very dear friends who just so happens to be a world-renowned Bible scholar, Professor Kristi McLelland. Kristi spent over a year living in Egypt and Israel so that she could study Scripture in its original socio-historical context, and the fruits of her labor will leave you gob-smacked with wonder over the accessible, redemptive truisms in God's Word. Just listen to this excerpt from her new book, Feasting on God's Word, "We are not orphans; we are not fatherless. We do not have to open the Bible and dig something out to feed ourselves. We are not alone in the moment. When we approach the Word of God, we do so as sons and daughters postured to receive. Rather than having to feed ourselves, we are readying ourselves to inherit and take in whatever the living God is ready to say and do as we interact with the Text." If you want less duty and more delight when you engage with the redemptive narrative and promises found in God's enscripturated revelation, today's episode is tailor made for you, baby! So please grab an iced mocha and of course bring your Bible as you pull up a proverbial chair on the porch with us...we're really glad you're here!
Hello, friend. I hope you're having a good day.
We're diving into a new topic this week on the Encouraging Word Podcast - thought management. Controlling your anger or managing your anxiety may seem like an impossible task at times, but it's not! It's a promise found in Scripture and backed up by neuroscience. With God's help, you can tame each thought and become a person who thinks and acts more like Jesus.
What does it mean to live on earth while belonging to heaven? In this episode, Christine Caine challenges you to embrace your true identity as a citizen of heaven and ambassador for Christ here on earth. With a powerful word from Philippians and deep encouragement from her own life, Christine unpacks how your heavenly status grants you access to kingdom resources, authority, and purpose-no matter how chaotic the world gets.
What you'll learn:
-How to bring the fruit of the Spirit into a broken world.
-Why your citizenship shapes your conduct, purpose, and hope.
-How to live with urgency and eternal perspective.
This is the final week of our Resilient Hope Summer series - real talk and encouragement to keep your faith strong in every season.
Don't forget to grab your free Episode Reflection Guide here!
P.S. We made a bonus resource for you this summer. Download your free 'Hope Kit' now!
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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.
