Today on the Back Porch, buckle up for a soulful road trip. Lisa and Allison explore Psalm 84 with the sons of Korah, tracing the Valley of Baca-the valley of tears-as a map for our own hard stretches where God meets us in grief, teaches us contentment, and invites us to be fully present right where our feet are. Fill your cup with coffee or cider, wrap up in a blanket, and wander out to the leaf-strewn porch.
Hi, friend. I hope you're having a good day.
Today's episode brings us to one of the unlikeliest heroes of the Bible-Rahab. Maybe you know her story. Maybe you relate to her story. Nothing to lose, pulled from the bottom of the pit and pressed into service for God's plan. God used her because she trusted him. May we all have that in common with Rahab.
Have you ever wondered what kind of faith causes Jesus Himself to marvel? In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks the powerful story of the Roman centurion from Luke 7 and challenges us to live with bold, risk-taking faith that amazes God, as opposed to unbelief that leaves him disappointed. You'll be inspired to trust God beyond your comfort zone and to live the kind of supernatural life only faith can make possible.
✨ You'll discover:
* Why faith requires trust more than understanding.
* How to overcome fear, doubt, and the need for control.
* What it means to live a bold, risk-taking faith that pleases God.
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide → http://bit.ly/4gx1ZYk
+ + + +
SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/ChristineCaineSubscribe
ORDER Christine's newest book, Don't Look Back → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine
ORDER Christine's new devotional, "You're Not Finished Yet" → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine
For more great stuff, check out:
LISTEN to Christine Caine's Life and Leadership Podcast→ https://linktr.ee/christinecaine
DONATE to Equip & Empower Ministries: https://linktr.ee/christinecaine
Follow Christine on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChristineCaine/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theChristineCaine/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristineCaine
Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and bestselling author who awakens people everywhere to discover their God-given purpose and live transformed lives for Jesus. Alongside her husband, Nick, she founded A21, a global anti-human trafficking organization that prevents exploitation, recovers victims, and empowers survivors. She also launched Propel Women, an initiative equipping women worldwide to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live confidently in their calling. Through Equip & Empower, Christine activates people everywhere to live on mission for Jesus.
Christine is the author of more than a dozen books and Bible studies, and she holds a Master's Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. For over 30 years, she and Nick have faithfully served the global Church. You can tune into her weekly Equip & Empower and Life & Leadership podcasts for practical insights and encouragement, always pointing to the hope found in Jesus. Christine and Nick live with their daughters, Catherine and Sophia. To learn more about Christine and her resources, visit http://www.christinecaine.com.
Today on the Back Porch, we're visiting the Jezreel Valley, the Plain of Armageddon, where battles were fought, prophets spoke, and God proved faithful. At this fertile, strategic crossroads of history, Scripture's conflicts ultimately point us to hope in Jesus. Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or cider, settle into a blanket, and meet us on the fall-kissed porch.
Hello, friend. Thank you for joining me for another Encouraging Word.
It can be difficult to tune out the negative voices around us. It can be difficult to tune out the negative voices in our own heads! If you've been listening to the podcast for a while, you know we just did a bunch of episodes about that. But thankfully, God has given us his Word, just as he gave Joshua and the Israelites, to help us know and heed his voice.
If you've ever struggled with feeling lonely or like you don't "fit in" during the holiday season and all the parties or family gatherings that happen at this time of year, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Ruth shares the truth from God's Word that she rehearses to reset her heart and mind when she feels alone.
Scripture referenced:
Psalm 139:7-10
Resources mentioned:
Pilgrim by Ruth Chou Simons
Have you ever felt pressured to compromise your faith to fit in? In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3-a story of courage, conviction, and the unmistakable presence of God in life's fiery trials. Christine challenges listeners to recognize the modern idols we're tempted to bow to and to live with the kind of unshakable faith that says, "Even if God doesn't..." This message will inspire you to stand firm, stay faithful, and trust that God is with you in the fire.
✨ You'll discover:
* How to recognize the "modern idols" that compete for your worship.
* Why courage and conviction are essential in a culture of compromise.
* How to trust God's presence when the heat is on.
Get your free Episode Reflection Guide → http://bit.ly/4gx1ZYk
+ + + +
SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/ChristineCaineSubscribe
ORDER Christine's newest book, Don't Look Back → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine
ORDER Christine's new devotional, "You're Not Finished Yet" → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine
For more great stuff, check out:
LISTEN to Christine Caine's Life and Leadership Podcast→ https://linktr.ee/christinecaine
DONATE to Equip & Empower Ministries: https://linktr.ee/christinecaine
Follow Christine on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChristineCaine/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theChristineCaine/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristineCaine
Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and bestselling author who awakens people everywhere to discover their God-given purpose and live transformed lives for Jesus. Alongside her husband, Nick, she founded A21, a global anti-human trafficking organization that prevents exploitation, recovers victims, and empowers survivors. She also launched Propel Women, an initiative equipping women worldwide to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live confidently in their calling. Through Equip & Empower, Christine activates people everywhere to live on mission for Jesus.
Christine is the author of more than a dozen books and Bible studies, and she holds a Master's Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. For over 30 years, she and Nick have faithfully served the global Church. You can tune into her weekly Equip & Empower and Life & Leadership podcasts for practical insights and encouragement, always pointing to the hope found in Jesus. Christine and Nick live with their daughters, Catherine and Sophia. To learn more about Christine and her resources, visit http://www.christinecaine.com.
Hi, friend. I sure hope you're doing well.
Last week I told a story about getting a gift from my dad. I have another story about my dad this week. You probably know by now that I love to tell stories about my dad. This story isn't about getting a car. It's about something he did for me when I was young that our Heavenly Father does for us now - he fights for us.
Today on the Back Porch (Part 3 of our Mountain & Valley series), Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Jim Howard walk through the theology of peaks and valleys, from Elijah's bold stand on Mount Carmel to his post-victory crash in 1 Kings 19. Along the way, we explore how God meets our fatigue and grief with rest, renewal, and the gift of community. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and join us on the porch!
Today on Back Porch, Lisa & Allison kick off a new six-part series Mountains & Valleys, exploring how God meets us in both the highs and lows of life. From Lisa's 50-mile Appalachian Trail hike to Moses' burning bush encounter, they remind us that God's presence is steady, His covenant sure, and our journeys best walked with persistence and community. So grab a pumpkin flavored latte, pull up a chair, we're so glad you joined us!
Today on the Back Porch, buckle up for a soulful road trip. Lisa and Allison explore Psalm 84 with the sons of Korah, tracing the Valley of Baca-the valley of tears-as a map for our own hard stretches where God meets us in grief, teaches us contentment, and invites us to be fully present right where our feet are. Fill your cup with coffee or cider, wrap up in a blanket, and wander out to the leaf-strewn porch.
Joel was a groomsman. Moriah was a wedding crasher. The stage is set for an awkward first meeting. How does a relationship work when it starts with fireworks for one person but not the other? Find out why their fumbly-bumbly beginning led to song-writing, shared interests and answered prayers. Plus, get a quick preview of what's coming in Episode II, "BECOMING:fearful."
Click "subscribe" and use #Becomingus on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation online around what it means to become all that God intended us to be.
The heartbeat of BECOMING US is to engage with you through our story, to be a part of your story, and encourage you along the way. If you would like to go deeper into some of the tools that we have learned through The Becoming Academy and Kerry Hasenbalg, you can use the coupon SMALLBONE for a discount to the online BECOMING curriculum at www.thebecomingacademy.com
Today on the Back Porch, we're visiting the Jezreel Valley, the Plain of Armageddon, where battles were fought, prophets spoke, and God proved faithful. At this fertile, strategic crossroads of history, Scripture's conflicts ultimately point us to hope in Jesus. Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or cider, settle into a blanket, and meet us on the fall-kissed porch.
I'm not sure it's possible to measure the impact the Cruse Family has had on the kingdom of God, but we'll do our best to tell the story of Joe, Karen, Jane, John and Cindy and their legacy that continues to show no signs of slowing down!
Licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta joins Levi and Jennie for a live Q&A on building emotionally healthy homes-whether you're single, married, or knee-deep in carpools. We kick off with Debra's new picture book for littles, "Any Day Emotions," and how naming feelings (even the tricky ones like guilt and jealousy) helps kids learn what to do with them. We also talk about Levi's new tween book, "Don't Worry, Warrior," and why story-driven teaching sticks with 8-12-year-olds.
From there, it's a fast-paced, heartfelt session tackling real questions: consistent toddler discipline without losing connection, encouragement for single parents finding community, wisdom for blending families with grace and boundaries, and practical ways siblings can repair ruptures with real apologies. We close by reframing "peace at home"-less candlelit calm, more everyday wholeness in Christ amid the beautiful chaos.
Connect with us on social!
Debra: @debrafileta
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Any Day Emotions by Debra Fileta: https://bit.ly/4paOT6x
Don't Worry, Warrior By Levi Lusko: https://bit.ly/498LNLs
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Give a year-end gift to send Native youth to Movement Conference!
Your generous year-end gift below will remove every barrier so students from the reservations can experience Movement Conference, where they'll encounter the love and freedom of Jesus.
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Time stamps
14:06 - What to discuss with your spouse when planning/trying for kids
19:13 - How to discipline a toddler consistently while staying connected
26:10 - Single mom navigating distance from family and absent father
31:06 - "Biblical" approach to blending a newly blended family
49:34 - Keeping a peaceful home with hormonal preteens and little ones
54:57 - Rhythms to recharge marriage with a 6-month-old at home
Sometimes God's direction doesn't make sense-until it does. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with pastor and church planter Katia Adams to talk about how obedience can lead to multiplication, even when it feels like loss. From Boston to Cape Town, Katia shares how God uprooted her plans, expanded her influence, and met her family's every need along the way. This is a conversation for every leader learning to yield, trust, and follow God through transition and uncertainty.
SHOW NOTES:
When God Changes the Plan
Katia shares her unexpected journey of leaving Boston for Cape Town-not by choice, but by Divine redirection. What looked like a visa issue became an invitation to multiplication.
Faith Over Formula
When God is silent, faith grows. Katia and Christine unpack how God sometimes withholds clarity to deepen trust, and how the "yielded yes" is the seed of every new beginning.
Provision in the Details
From finances to tutors to schools, Katia reveals how God's faithfulness met her family in every practical need, reminding us that when God authors the story, He funds the mission.
The Legacy of Revival
Katia's family history in Iran tells a miraculous story of revival-how her grandfather's hunger for Scripture sparked a movement that continues to this day.
Spirit and Truth in Every City
From Boston's intellectual culture to Cape Town's spiritual hunger, Katia describes why the Gospel needs both deep theology and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Leading Without Entitlement
Katia and Christine discuss the tension between calling and career-why obedience will always look foolish to the world, and why faithfulness matters more than fame.
Follow Katia on Instagram at @_katiaadams
Today on Back Porch, Lisa & Allison kick off a new six-part series Mountains & Valleys, exploring how God meets us in both the highs and lows of life. From Lisa's 50-mile Appalachian Trail hike to Moses' burning bush encounter, they remind us that God's presence is steady, His covenant sure, and our journeys best walked with persistence and community. So grab a pumpkin flavored latte, pull up a chair, we're so glad you joined us!
Faith doesn't need fame-it needs faithfulness. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Swedish pastor and author Lina Nielsen for an honest conversation about staying steadfast in a world that's moved on from church. From leading in one of the most secular nations on earth to raising daughters who love Jesus, Lina shares how she's kept her fire for God through changing seasons, cultural shifts, and challenges in leadership. You'll be reminded that purpose isn't built on popularity-it's built on daily obedience.
SHOW NOTES:
Rooted for the Long Haul
Christine and Lina reflect on 25 years of friendship and ministry-from early youth conferences to building a thriving church in Stockholm. They discuss how staying close to Jesus is the only way to stay the course.
Leading in a Secular Culture
In a nation where faith is often forgotten, Lina shares what it's like to lead a church that's relevant, relational, and reaching people who've never walked into a church before.
Faithfulness Over Fame
Both Christine and Lina talk about choosing obedience when no one's watching, serving quietly, and resisting the pull toward performance-based ministry.
Reaching a Generation Hungry for Meaning
As Sweden's next generation turns from success to significance, Lina describes how young people are rediscovering Jesus-and why authenticity and hope are transforming lives.
Empowering Women and Raising Daughters
Lina opens up about writing her book, "Secrets of a Sister" and helping young women find identity, confidence, and purpose in Christ-no matter what culture says.
Find Lina Nielsen on Instagram, @LinaMNielsen
Denise, Leigh, and Shelley are back to break down holiday decorating, Bible facts we never knew, and Dancing with the Stars.
Pro tip - have your tissues ready for the Circle of Friends moment.
00:54-7:42 - Family wedding, Halloween candy, and razorblades
7:42-15:11 - Alan Levi's book, "The Last Sweet Mile"
15:11-23:54 - Judas, Romans, and gratitude for the ability to know God
23:54-31:24 - Soup season and DWTS
World-renowned adventurer, author, and TV host Bear Grylls joins Levi and Jennie Lusko for an unforgettable conversation about courage, faith, and what really matters most. From Man vs. Wild to his newest book The Greatest Story Ever Told, Bear opens up about the challenges of fame, the power of vulnerability, and how the wild continues to point him back to God.
Together, they talk about grief, resilience, and the sacred beauty of connection - from Bear's adventures with world leaders to the quiet strength he's found through family and faith. You'll laugh, tear up, and walk away deeply encouraged to live with more purpose and heart, wherever your own wild takes you.
Connect with us on social!
Bear: @beargrylls
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
The Greatest Story Ever Told: https://bit.ly/4hgSltA
Keep up with Bear: https://bit.ly/48qR1BV
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:
0:16:06 - Grief, legacy, and quiet resilience
0:27:42 - Huckleberries after fire: rising from ashes
0:38:04 - Turning to the new book (and why it matters)
0:47:17 - How the book's voices shift: Mary to Thomas and beyond
0:56:59 - Audiobook + recording details and next steps