CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song. To count our blessings is to name them and acknowledge our gratitude for the good things God has blessed us with. Seph Schlueter sings of this in his song "Counting My Blessings," and I use it to catapult us into the world of Jesus to see how He gave thanks in all circumstances. Let's explore Scripture together to deepen our knowledge as we practice giving thanks in our lives. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include ..read more

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song. Have you ever had that moment when you realize you are on the other side? On the other side of trauma. On the other side of betrayal. On the other side of pain, you thought for sure you would NEVER endure? This happened to Joseph and was commemorated by the birth of his firstborn son. When Anna Golden sings "Manasseh," she vividly brings these shared feelings to life -- these feelings of a patriarch from long ago shared with those of us who are on the other side of deep wounding. Let's examine Joseph's life ..read more

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song. Have you ever re-watched a movie yet felt anxious during that scene where the obstacle seems too great to overcome? You know the end. You understand the main character overcomes that obstacle because you've watched the movie before, but it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. That's what I think of when I hear Shane & Shane sing "You've Already Won." I know Christ sits in heaven as the ultimate victor and that because I'm in Christ, I, too, am victorious. But I'm still swinging my sword in battles ..read more

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song. I've recently seen several videos online of children laying hands on siblings in prayer or praying with deep and passionate charisma. It's adorable because they are acts not normally seen in children who are more likely to swipe their friend's toy than lay hands on them in prayer. But I learned a long time ago that children are mirrors of the environment around them. When Benjamin William Hastings sings "Abandoned," he longs to mirror the complete abandon he sees in the life of Christ.  As an adopted ..read more

Welcome to Friday With Friends! I have the distinct privilege of meeting incredible followers of Christ who have amazing ministries, fascinating careers, and incredible hobbies and pet projects that flow out of their identity in Christ.  While my podcast is a solo show, I still want a venue to introduce you to these friends as examples of the multifaceted ways God works in and through His people.  In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting my friend, Keith Ferrin, to talk about his journey moving from "should" to "want" regarding reading and studying God's Word. We reminisce ..read more

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE. While our feelings are not reliable, solid evidence of God, the evidence of God in our lives has the power to impact our feelings. That's what Caleb & John are singing about in their song "Hallelujah Feeling." The Holy Spirit can fill us with joy and peace based on our right relationship with God. Let's explore Scripture together to see what it teaches us about being "born again." In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:  Make observations ..read more

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Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE. Read the prophecy in Isaiah 9 and then read the birth account of Christ in Luke 1 and 2. Meditate on the name Wonderful Counselor. Consider the compassion of Christ. Seek the wisdom hidden in the robes of your Prince of Peace. Allow His words to be your counselors. Allow them to probe, confront, clarify, and guide you in paths of righteousness. We'll discover the first time the name Wonderful Counselor is prophesied and its fulfillment in the child born in a manger.  In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I ..read more

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE. Did you ever get separated from your parents as a child? It's a terrifying experience as a mother to turn and realize your child has slipped away and is nowhere in sight. I've read stories where the child was so frightened they would hide in clothes racks until they heard their mother's call. Patrick Mayberry sings about our Good Shepherd in his song "Lead On Good Shepherd." Our Good Shepherd calls out for us like a mother for her lost child. He searches for us, listening for our response to His call. Then, he gathers our trembl ..read more

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE. I don't particularly appreciate feeling limited and weak. I'm not too fond of it when what is required of me exceeds my qualifications. I prefer feeling capable and in control. Unfortunately, this preference of mine runs directly opposed to Christ's power resting on me. I learned this and more in my study of Scripture inspired by Anne Wilson's song "Strong." Together, we'll look closely at keywords in a letter from Paul, uncover truths, and then see them played out in an Old Testament narrative. In this episode, I discuss the fo ..read more