Hello, friend! I hope you're doing well.
In today's Encouraging Word, we're taking a look at the first appearance of grace in Scripture, and you might be surprised where it shows up. But the message is unchanged: grace is not up to the one receiving it. It's up to the One giving it.
Hello, friend! I sure hope you're doing well today!
Being a Promised Land person does not guarantee you a problem-free life. In fact, it guarantees the opposite. In John 16:33, Jesus says, "In this world, you will have trouble." Knowing that, what do you do? Follow the example of Caleb in Joshua, Chapter 14, and set your mind on a holy cause.
Today I'm joined by Michelle, who has been on a journey of saying no to passivity. Being the oldest child in the family, she has had a tendency to become more accommodating than she should. This pattern has followed her into her adulthood and developed into passivity. We talk about 3 important mindset shifts that have to happen in order to see assertiveness as the best way to take care of yourself and others. In order for relationships to be healthy, they have to be balanced! Assertiveness is an important people skill, and we talk through it on this episode of Talk To Me! Dig deeper by ordering my new book People Skills anywhere books are sold.
The Debra Fileta Counselors Network:
Book a counseling session at the Debra Fileta Counselors Network and get started on your healing journey from the inside out TODAY!
DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of eight books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.
Tim Tebow is back-and this time he's bringing full-on dad energy. Tim shares the surreal (and hilarious) realities of becoming a father to Daphne Raine, from driving home like a hyper-cautious grandpa to realizing how instantly responsibility rewires your whole brain. Along the way, Levi and Jennie soak up Tim's reflections on what fatherhood has already taught him about God's voice in chaos, and how love turns into action.
Then the conversation turns tender and powerful as Tim opens up about his new book If the Tree Could Speak-a poetic, perspective-shifting retelling of the gospel through the life of the tree that became the cross. From Easter tenderness to the brutal honesty of Calvary, this episode is a reminder that the cross changes everything-and that our calling is to live like we actually believe it.
Connect with us on social!
Tim: @timtebow
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
If the Tree Could Speak Book: https://bit.ly/4rqk0fE
Look Again Book: https://bit.ly/4aYrDEh
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
0:00:18 - Ketones, cold plunges, and dad-life banter
0:01:23 - Bringing Daphne home: joy, fear, and responsibility
0:06:05 - "Splash radius" and worship in the delivery room
0:20:45 - If the Tree Could Speak: the cross through the tree's eyes
0:40:13 - Grief with hope: "he's not lost-he's found"
0:43:12 - "Look Again": seeing people as infinitely valuable MVPs
On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison continue their journey through Exodus in part two, diving into themes of leadership, Scripture, and the steady kindness of God's guidance, reminding us that God's faithfulness doesn't depend on our perfection but on His character. So pull up a chair, grab your coffee, and join us on the porch!
Join our Circle of Friends this week as the ladies talk about sweet memories in unexpected places (and unusual things to mistake for hair dye!), how a single prayer turned into a Bible study community, the Scriptural basis for Point of Grace's new album "Lady Wisdom," and an old secret for making the perfect cup of coffee.
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:
1:33 What's Up: New Puppy Smells, Farmhouse Photoshoots, and Cemetery Celebrations
7:17 Circle of Friends: Taylor, Bible Studies, and Friendships That Bloom From a Single Prayer
16:10 What in the Word: Proverbs, Lady Wisdom (in a Muscle Tee), and (Not) Plagiarizing the Bible
24:39 Circle Up! Little Men, Needlepoint Neck Lights, and an Old Secret to Perfect Coffee
On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison take us back into the book of Exodus, one of the most pivotal stories in the Old Testament. Together, they unpack themes of deliverance and bondage, spotlighting the courageous midwives Shiphrah and Puah, the dramatic plagues, and the awe-filled moment at Mount Sinai when God's glory descended in a cloud. Their conversation reminds us that the God who brought His people out of slavery is still bringing freedom and deliverance to His children today. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch!
*If you prayed to receive Christ today and would like a complimentary Bible, we'd be honored to send you one. Please reach out to us, available while supplies last.
Pastor Ed Newton joins Levi and Jennie for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious, holy, and deeply healing. From mutual half-Filipino spouses (and the great "Tagalog" debate) to the way Ed grew up as the primary interpreter for his deaf parents, this episode is packed with stories that will make you laugh-and then suddenly swallow a lump in your throat.
Ed opens up about the hidden "not enough" loop that can follow even the most fruitful ministry, the moment (December 26, 2023) he didn't want to live anymore, and how God met him in the rebuild through counseling and recovery. Along the way, you'll hear the powerful origin story behind his book Why Not You? Believing What God Believes About You-and why your worst "kryptonite" might just become the very place God writes your greatest strength.
Connect with us on social!
Ed: @pastorednewton
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Read Why Not You?: https://bit.ly/49UZBI8
Connect with Pastor Ed: https://bit.ly/4t49zQf
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
0:03:10 - College hoops, ministry dreams, and meeting Stephanie
0:05:32 - The interpreter who changed everything: Ed's salvation story
0:08:04 - Growing up in a deaf home: the miracle backstory
0:17:44 - "God gave you to us": the moment that reframed his life
0:33:42 - "We found you on YouTube": the CBC call and the pivot
0:39:18 - December 26, 2023
On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison continue their journey through Exodus in part two, diving into themes of leadership, Scripture, and the steady kindness of God's guidance, reminding us that God's faithfulness doesn't depend on our perfection but on His character. So pull up a chair, grab your coffee, and join us on the porch!
Tim Tebow is back-and this time he's bringing full-on dad energy. Tim shares the surreal (and hilarious) realities of becoming a father to Daphne Raine, from driving home like a hyper-cautious grandpa to realizing how instantly responsibility rewires your whole brain. Along the way, Levi and Jennie soak up Tim's reflections on what fatherhood has already taught him about God's voice in chaos, and how love turns into action.
Then the conversation turns tender and powerful as Tim opens up about his new book If the Tree Could Speak-a poetic, perspective-shifting retelling of the gospel through the life of the tree that became the cross. From Easter tenderness to the brutal honesty of Calvary, this episode is a reminder that the cross changes everything-and that our calling is to live like we actually believe it.
Connect with us on social!
Tim: @timtebow
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
If the Tree Could Speak Book: https://bit.ly/4rqk0fE
Look Again Book: https://bit.ly/4aYrDEh
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
0:00:18 - Ketones, cold plunges, and dad-life banter
0:01:23 - Bringing Daphne home: joy, fear, and responsibility
0:06:05 - "Splash radius" and worship in the delivery room
0:20:45 - If the Tree Could Speak: the cross through the tree's eyes
0:40:13 - Grief with hope: "he's not lost-he's found"
0:43:12 - "Look Again": seeing people as infinitely valuable MVPs
In today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa & Allison explore the story of Abraham ~ an unlikely hero chosen by God in sheer grace. Together, they unpack God's sovereignty and grace in choosing, calling, and blessing people not because of their merit, but because of His faithfulness. So pull up a chair and join us on the porch!