Faith Over Fear

Sometimes, when we look at our world, it seems as if evil is winning. Such thinking has the potential to sideline us and leave us feeling defeated. Scripture, however, assures us of three unshakable truths: All the forces of darkness combined will not and cannot extinguish God's light, His children bring His light with them into every encounter, and He will empower the willing heart to dramatically impact our world for generations ...

When we experience trauma, our world can feel shaky and our future uncertain. We might fear we'll never again experience joy and peace. But Jesus promised all of His followers thriving life, and has the power to heal the most wounded places in our soul. In this episode, join Jennifer Slattery as she speaks with guest, therapist, and sexual trauma survivor Lisa Saruga on how trauma effects the brain and steps survivors can take to n...

Have you ever felt fearful of the judgments of others?  Maybe when growing up, you may have been labeled by others as shy, awkward, or just plain different.  What if we stopped judging and began to look at others for who they truly are?

Resource referenced: The Wallflower That Bloomed: Finding Your Place at the Lunch Table of Life

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonates with you most in thi...

When our world feels chaotic and uncertain, it's easy to become overwhelmed with our circumstances or fears. In that place, we might temporarily forget the love, power, and presence of our God. Scripture tells us our enemy, the devil, roams about like a roaring lion, but as today's guest reminds us, our God has the loudest roar. He reigns victorious in ever situation, including those that leave us anxious and afraid. 

Resource...

Scripture assures us, God does not want us to live enslaved to fear, weighed down by stress, and overpowered by personal weakness. Christ promised us joy, peace, and inexpressible freedom. He also promised to give us the power to experience each of those supernatural gifts. In this episode, prolific speaker Max Lucado shares a time when, attempting to carry his ministry in his own strength, the burden became nearly crippling and ho...

Have you ever felt like life has passed you by? When you look back on your pivotal moments, do you feel unseen and overlooked?  You are not alone. This universal feeling is normal, but it doesn’t have to stick to you.

Resource referenced: The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible: What Their Stories Teach Us about Being Seen and Heard (The Women of the Bible) by Mary DeMuth

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

There is little more painful than when an adult child decides they no longer want to have a relationship with a parent. Sometimes, we sense the fracture coming but aren't sure how to stop the destruction. For others, their son or daughter's desire to cut contact feels unexpected and without provocation. Things may feel so tense, we fear there's no hope for reconciliation. But no situation, relationship, or individual is beyond God'...

Deciding to go "no contact" can be one of the most painful and confusing decision we make, especially when it involves people in our family of origin. This can feel even more difficult for those taught "hyper-grace" at the expense of health and truth. In this episode, mental health professional, author, and speaker Gina Birkemeir shares insights on how we can heal from learned shame, differentiate between uncomfortable versus unsaf...

God understands that we live in a world that often feels frightening and overwhelming, but He doesn't want us to become enslaved by fear. But neither does He expect us to simply will ourselves into a state of peace and inner calm. Instead, He with each verse in which He says, "Do not be afraid", He provides important truths that enable us to live with the courage and confidence of a well-cared for child of God, which is precisely w...

How can we maintain faith when our economy always seems so unstable? How can we hold tight to God's promises when enduring long seasons of unemployment or when our financial situation feels outside of our control? Join hosts Carol McCracken and Jennifer Slattery as they discuss a passage in Scripture that demonstrates God's ability to provide and how He uses our needs to deepen our faith and relational intimacy with Him. (Scripture...

Maybe you sensed God calling you to pursue a dream and you began with passion and focus. But then you experienced numerous difficulties and setbacks and started to doubt if you heard God correctly or He ever plans to bring fruit to your obedience. If so, you'll relate to Kristi Wood's story and will gain encouragement through how God met her in her disappointment and doubt. 

Grab Kristi Wood's free prayer guide here: https://k...

Most, if not all, of us recognize, at a soul-level, that we need deep and lasting companionship. When we're weathering difficult relationships, longing for a relationship we haven't yet experienced, or have experienced developmental trauma, our pain and insecurities can make us fear we'll end up alone and lonely. In this episode, singer/songwriter and actress Rebecca St. James and her film producer husband share their emotional str...

Have you ever thought of yourself as a hope- giver, commissioned to tell God’s story? Do you ever feel weary, defeated or terrified? How do we arise in hope and awaken hope in others? (Scripture referenced: Judges 4:4-9, Judges 5: 6-7)

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What  resonates with you most in this episode?
2. How has a time when hope faded motivated you or someone you know ...

How has insecurity impacted your dreams and your calling? Do you ever feel like a fraud, you don't deserve your position or role, or compelled to prove your competency? These are signs of "imposter syndrome", a common struggle with the power to sabotage our lives and relationships. (Scripture referenced: Exodus 2-4, 32-33; Deuteronomy 34:10-12; 1 Samuel 9-10, 13, 18; Isaiah 41:10.)

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonat...

The church is supposed to be a safe place where we can experience healing, grow, and encounter God. Sadly, for many people, this hasn't been the case. Unfortunately, they've experienced deep soul-wounds in a religious environment. Join host Jennifer Slattery as she talks with author, speaker and pastor Sam Ranier on the impact of church hurt, how to bring our hurts to God, and ways to tell if an environment is safe for us and, if w...

Almost exactly twenty years ago, today’s guest, popular international speaker Carol Kent was thrust into a situation that made her feel as if her world was unraveling. Her son was arrested for murder, revealing just how little control we parents often have over our children’s lives. Though her life felt out of control, she found peace and security through surrender. She discovered God is big enough and strong enough and...

Often, the greatest hindrance to living out our calling comes from internal, rather than external, influences. When our insecurities dominate our lives, we become our biggest limiting factor. If you’re familiar with the Bible, you may recognize, intellectually, that you are a radiant, redeemed, chosen, called and empowered child of God. The question is, how do we let this truth define us and our actions? In this episode, auth...

Do you feel stuck in your pain or like you keep falling into the same relational or emotional pits? When your circumstances triggers certain intense emotions, do you find yourself behaving more like a child rather than the Spirit-led adult you know you are? Or do you simply long for increased joy, peace and freedom in your life and interactions? If so, you'll gain encouragement from Jennifer Slattery's conversation with guest Dr. M...

Do you feel anxious when people suggest that we're living in the end times? Do you find verses related to this biblical period confusing? In this episode beloved pastor Max Lucado shares his views and insights regarding God's unfolding, eternal story and our ultimate destination. 

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. How might knowing what Scripture teaches regarding the "end time...