Trending

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. 

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 Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Amy Orr-Ewing explore forgiveness, repentance, and healing through Psalm 51 and the story of King David and Bathsheba. Together, they unpack why forgiveness isn't weakness, how Scripture calls us to honestly acknowledge harm, and what it looks like to pursue healing-even in the hardest places. Pull up a chair-we're really glad you're here.

Hello, my friend. Thanks for joining me on the podcast today. There are few guarantees in life, but there is at least one thing that's true for us all - life comes with storms. And where you turn your eyes when trouble comes makes all the difference. 

Today on the show I'm joined by Melissa who is calling in to get help dealing with her anger issues. She's noticing that her anger outbursts are getting less controlled, and has noticed losing her temper in the car as well as in public - at the bank, for example. She's not sure where these patterns of anger have come from, and she feels like she's tried everything to try and break free from her anger with no success. We process what her anger means, what emotions it represents, and then we look for trigger patterns to trace what may be the underlying root of her anger issues. We make some serious progress in this session, as I help her track the underlying issue that's been holding her back. If you struggle with anger, listen to this episode and start putting the pieces together in your own life so that you can respond to the signal of anger instead of simply reacting to it. Listen to this episode, and then go deeper on your own journey of healing by connecting with one of our faith-forward counselors at the Debra Fileta Counselors Network!

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.

Women's minister, author, and Texas-born-and-proud Tasha Calvert joins Jennie for one of those conversations that just makes you exhale. Tasha gets honest about going through the motions for years - church attendance, all the programs, filling in every blank - while still missing the real thing, and how God used a crisis in her marriage to finally get through to her. They also talk about her new book Set Apart for More, why holiness has basically disappeared from our vocabulary, and why surrendering control is actually the most freeing thing you can do.

Connect with us on social!

Tasha: @tistashcalvert

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Get Tasha's book Set Apart for More: https://bit.ly/4tXFtgw

Visit Tasha's website: https://bit.ly/42UsW2v

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

Timestamps

00:02:00 - Santa Fe, New Mexico, and why every American city is starting to look the same 

00:05:18 - Meeting her Houston husband at church - and the Baylor vs. A&M rivalry that almost doomed them 

00:08:26 - The hard season: lawsuits, depression, and a sister's wake-up call about marriage 

00:12:28 - When God said "shut up" - and how silence saved her marriage 

00:34:58 - Why holiness has vanished from our vocabulary (and Tasha's mission to bring it back)

00:46:04 - Tasha closes in prayer for the listener who's exhausted and ready to let go

James passed away on May 17, 2026 and this is one of my last conversations with him. I've never known anyone as passionate about the gospel and in love with people as James and I will miss him dearly.

On today's episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison walk through the Psalms as a sacred space where every emotion is welcome. From the unresolved grief of Psalm 88 to the messianic hope of Psalm 22, they remind us that God meets us in both sorrow and praise. This episode becomes an invitation to worship with joy, freedom, and abandon. So grab your Bible, pull up a chair on the porch with us-we're really glad you're here.

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.

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!

Sit down for a conversation with the Luskos and Henry and Alex Seeley, Pastors and Founders of The Belonging Co in Nashville, for a conversation on how to follow God's call, the strength of serving, and how they navigated their hardest days of marriage.

Connect with us on social!

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife 

Henry: @henryseeley

Alex: @alexseeley

The Belonging Co: @thebelongingco

Your life isn't meant to stagnate-it's meant to overflow with purpose, conviction, and the life of Christ. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with author and spiritual formation leader Ann Voskamp for a deeply moving conversation about living "given," guarding against spiritual drift, cultivating a heart of compassion, and staying anchored in Scripture in a distracted world. Ann shares her journey from global activism to deep soul formation-and why believers must reclaim intentional, Scripture-shaped living. If you're hungry to grow in spiritual depth and purpose, this episode will stir your heart.

SHOW NOTES:

A Friendship Formed in the Unexpected

Christine and Ann revisit their years at Wheaton, how two women from opposite ends of the world became spiritual sisters, and the shared passion for Jesus that bonded them instantly.

Seeing the Marginalized Through God's Eyes

Ann reflects on her first global trip to Guatemala City, experiencing the heartbreak of injustice, and discovering that gratitude must overflow into activism. Christine and Ann recall their shared work with A21 and the Roma community in Bulgaria.

The Call to Live "Given"

A powerful discussion on becoming a conduit, not a reservoir-why gifts from God are meant to flow through us, not be hoarded. They explore how generosity keeps the soul alive and how withholding can slowly deaden the heart.

Fighting Drift: One-Degree At a Time

Ann unpacks the danger of slow spiritual drift and why intentionality, Scripture saturation, and Christ-centered community are essential. Christine shares how many leaders fall not by sudden rebellion but by subtle neglect.

Formation for the Battle

Ann describes her doctoral work in spiritual formation and soul care, reframing spiritual disciplines as "means of the Spirit," not self-powered effort. They discuss how formation fuels mission-and why activists burn out without deep roots in Jesus.

Urgency, Eternity, and the Abundant Life Now

Christine and Ann discuss numbering our days, rejecting distraction culture, and embracing the abundant life Jesus offers today-not someday.

Find Ann on Instagram at @annvoskamp

Rachael Lampa has a unique story in the history of Christian music - a teen sensation in the early 2000s, a long absence to find her true calling, and a triumphant return to CCM, but not in a way you might think!

You've probably heard of the Enneagram - can it actually help you understand your kids or your spouse? Enneagram coach Beth McCord is teaching how this tool can aid spiritual and relational growth in your home. You'll see how the Enneagram can help you navigate disagreements better with your spouse and more. In today's conversation, we'll talk about:

2:40 - These are the 4 core motivations for every person

3:50 - Be alert of your weaknesses

9:20 - Seeing through your spouse's lens

11:20 - How do you find out your Enneagram?

13:00 - How can you appreciate and leverage how you're wired

15:00 - What if your Enneagram is in direct conflict with your spouse's?

20:30 - Discovery is not recovery

25:00 - What this picture reveals about God our Good Shepherd

Beth McCord is the bestselling author and co-founder with her husband Jeff of "Your Enneagram Coach," one of the largest Enneagram platforms in the world and the only one of its size to that teaches people how to use the Enneagram from a faith based perspective. More than 2 million people have taken their online Enneagram type assessment. Beth and her husband Jeff have a new book, "More Than Your Number: A Christ-Centered Enneagram Approach to Becoming Aware of Your Internal World."

Learn more on their website Your Enneagram Coach yourenneagramcoach.com

Learn more about Arlene's book 31 Days to a Happy Husband. arlenepellicane.com

Learn more about the masterclass. happyhomeuniversity.com/happyhusband

In this heartfelt episode of "Hey! It's The Luskos," Levi and Jennie Lusko sit down with Brian and Jenn Johnson from Bethel Music. Tune in as they explore the Johnsons' journey in music, their experiences as worship leaders, and the stories behind their impactful songs. From discussing the intricacies of their latest album to personal anecdotes that have shaped their ministry and marriage, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the lives of two influential figures in contemporary worship music.

Connect with us on social!
Brian: @brianjohnsonm
Jenn: @jennjohnson20
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Listen to "We Must Respond": https://bit.ly/4kiB4Bi
Jenn's favorite vocal warm-up: https://bit.ly/4ijW9tj
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

Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI

Timestamps
05:30 - Crafting Worship
10:15 - Journey in Music
15:50 - Creative Inspirations
21:40 - Spiritual Connections
28:05 - Future Projects
33:20 - Balancing Ministry and Family

Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is the second episode of our sizzling summer series called If God is Perfectly Good Then Why Did ______ Happen? The refreshing spiritual topic we've been swimming in is theodicy - a multi-syllabic theological term that means the vindication of our Redeemer's absolute goodness and providence in view of the existence of physical and moral evil. And in this episode of our series, we're going to focus on the freedom that accompanies trusting more fully in God's immutable - unchanging - compassion. I don't know about you, but true freedom didn't come quickly or easily for me. Even though I put my faith in Jesus as my Savior when I was a little girl, it took me a very long time to trust Him as my Liberator. Even as an adult with a seminary education, I spent years bound by chains of shame. I deeply resonated with what Pastor Steve Brown wrote in his book: A Scandalous Freedom, "The similarity between real freedom and the freedom experienced by many Christians is the difference between the taxidermist and the veterinarian; while you do get your dog back, one collects dust while the other jumps, slobbers and barks." Our sincere hope and fervent prayer is that God uses this conversation to help at least one precious saint finally shake loose from the formaldehyde of religiosity, shame, or paralyzing guilt. Alli is in the middle of her move and will be back with bells on soon, but Kyle Hebert - whose contagious joy captivated so many of you last week - has graciously agreed to guest host again. So please grab a cup of iced coffee and your Bible, unless you're frantically clinging to a giant, inflatable couch-looking thingie while some sadistic boat-driver slings you mercilessly across a lake, of course, and come hang out on the porch with us. 

Follow Us On Instagram!

@BackPorchTheologyPodcast

@LisaDHarper

@AllisonAllen

@Jim.Howard.Co 

SAVE 20% by using code Lisa20 at ElevatedFaith.com

During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're going to wade into the refreshing, invigorating, cleansing and sometimes even healing waters of worship. According to theological scholars - in the context of our Judeo-Christian belief system - worship is the reverential response of creation to the all-encompassing magnificence of God. In biblical narrative, worship includes activities like bringing an offering or sacrifice to God, bowing down in deference and obeisance, and of course proclaiming His transcendent holiness, omnipotent power, and compassionate faithfulness through song. It's what Moses models in Exodus 15:11 when he asks in awed wonder: Who is like you, O Lord? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? When it comes to worship leaders, it's probably not too much of a stretch to call King David the perennial favorite because he wrote almost half of the 150 Psalms, all of which were originally written as songs - s-o-n-g-s. That means Dave's tunes were all over some kind of ancient Spotify! And when it comes to modern-day worship leaders, our guest on BPT today is a perennial favorite, as well. She's written and co-written some of the most God-honoring, faith-galvanizing, biblically rooted worship songs of this era that are consistently belted out in communities of faith all over the world including What a Beautiful Name, King of Kings, Awake My Soul, Who You Say I Am, and A Thousand Hallelujahs. But what I love and respect most about my dear friend Brooke Ligertwood isn't her Grammy-award winning musical genius or her gorgeous voice, it's her humility-soaked heart. All it takes is a few minutes in her company and you can tell this woman spends a lot of time at the feet of Jesus. I think you'll find yourself leaning more fully into His presence after hanging out with her today, too. So please grab a cup of coffee on this glorious Fall day, and your Bible - unless you're learning the the ancient art of henna and practicing on a brave friend with indelible ink, of course! - and come prop your feet up on the porch with us. 

Where is your identity anchored? 

In this episode of The High Note, Tauren Wells sits down with Jamie MacDonald and Dwan Hill LIVE from the GMA Dove Awards! In this powerful conversation, they talk about what it means to find your identity in Christ rather than in performance or talents - and how to root your identity as a son and daughter of Christ. It's a reminder that even in disappointment, you are loved, accepted and special to God.