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Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is a sequel because Alli and I got to hang out with one of our dear friends, Professor Kristi McLelland. This snippet from Kristi's new book, Feasting on God's Word, will give you a glimpse of the adventure we're diving into today: "Life is both long and short. It has high and low moments. The promise of the Bible is that God is with us in and through it all. He has never been afraid of entering into the dust and ruin; restoration renewal, and repair are part of who He is." We're diving in pretty deep today y'all, so I'd encourage you to lean in and listen when you've got some breathing space and a little elbow room for the great, big, beautiful - albeit possibly weary - heart of yours. So please grab your favorite beverage, some yummy snacks, and that divine love letter we call the Bible. Then pull up a chair and prop your feet up on the porch with Alli, Professor Kristi, and me - we're grateful you've carved out the time and space to be with us today.

Hi friend, Max Lucado here. As an Encouraging Word listener, I want to share with you an exclusive preview of my new audiobook, Tame Your Thoughts. This message is for anyone who embraces the promise found in Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." I pray it encourages you.

Hello, friend. I hope you're having a good day. 

We're diving into a new topic this week on the Encouraging Word Podcast - thought management. Controlling your anger or managing your anxiety may seem like an impossible task at times, but it's not! It's a promise found in Scripture and backed up by neuroscience. With God's help, you can tame each thought and become a person who thinks and acts more like Jesus.

What does it mean to live on earth while belonging to heaven? In this episode, Christine Caine challenges you to embrace your true identity as a citizen of heaven and ambassador for Christ here on earth. With a powerful word from Philippians and deep encouragement from her own life, Christine unpacks how your heavenly status grants you access to kingdom resources, authority, and purpose-no matter how chaotic the world gets.

What you'll learn:
-How to bring the fruit of the Spirit into a broken world.
-Why your citizenship shapes your conduct, purpose, and hope.
-How to live with urgency and eternal perspective.

This is the final week of our Resilient Hope Summer series - real talk and encouragement to keep your faith strong in every season.

 Don't forget to grab your free Episode Reflection Guide here!

P.S. We made a bonus resource for you this summer. Download your free 'Hope Kit' now!

+ + + + +
Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you. 

Hi friend, Max Lucado here. As an Encouraging Word listener, I want to share with you an exclusive preview of my new audiobook, Tame Your Thoughts. This message is for anyone who embraces the promise found in Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." I pray it encourages you.

During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology Alli and I have the distinct privilege of diving deep into this divine love letter we call the Bible with one of our very dear friends who just so happens to be a world-renowned Bible scholar, Professor Kristi McLelland. Kristi spent over a year living in Egypt and Israel so that she could study Scripture in its original socio-historical context, and the fruits of her labor will leave you gob-smacked with wonder over the accessible, redemptive truisms in God's Word. Just listen to this excerpt from her new book, Feasting on God's Word, "We are not orphans; we are not fatherless. We do not have to open the Bible and dig something out to feed ourselves. We are not alone in the moment. When we approach the Word of God, we do so as sons and daughters postured to receive. Rather than having to feed ourselves, we are readying ourselves to inherit and take in whatever the living God is ready to say and do as we interact with the Text." If you want less duty and more delight when you engage with the redemptive narrative and promises found in God's enscripturated revelation, today's episode is tailor made for you, baby! So please grab an iced mocha and of course bring your Bible as you pull up a proverbial chair on the porch with us...we're really glad you're here!

Hi, friend. Thank you so much for joining me for the podcast this summer.

I hope this series has been an encouragement to you, particularly if you're going through a difficult time. We've got some new stuff coming next week that I'm really excited about, but first we're going to put a bow on our study of the life of Joseph. If there's one thing you take from it, may it be this: we have a heavenly father who guides us with a sure hand.

Ever felt like quitting-especially when you think no one else would notice? In this episode, Christine Caine opens up about one of the darkest seasons of her life and how Psalm 23 became more than words-it became her lifeline. With raw honesty and deep biblical insight, she shares how God's presence is our anchor in the valley, how His rod and staff guide and protect us, and how even in the presence of enemies, He prepares a table for us.

What you'll learn:
-How to endure spiritual valleys without ringing the bell
-Why shadows don't mean the absence of light
-How to recognize God's protection, provision, and presence-even when you can't feel Him

This is part of our Resilient Hope Summer series - real talk and encouragement to keep your faith strong in every season.

 Don't forget to grab your free Episode Reflection Guide here!

P.S. We made a bonus resource for you this summer. Download your free 'Hope Kit' now!

+ + + + +
Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you. 

You don't need a big city to live a big calling. In this episode, host Christine Caine talks with Sadie Robertson Huff about faith, family, and the revival happening in the most unexpected places-including Duck Dynasty's new season. Sadie shares how she keeps her heart pure in the spotlight, why she chose Monroe, Louisiana over Hollywood, and how obedience-not strategy-is what God blesses. Whether you're a mom, a minister, or someone wondering if your small town is too small for purpose, this episode will remind you that God writes the best stories when we say yes to Him.

SHOW NOTES:
Revival Can Happen Anywhere
Sadie opens up about why she said yes to Duck Dynasty: The Revival and how a new season of the show is about more than entertainment-it's about showing Jesus to the world.

Choosing Calling Over Career
Christine and Sadie talk candidly about the tension between platform and purity-and how Sadie fights to stay aligned with God's call, not the world's expectations.

From Monroe to the Nations
Sadie shares how God is moving in her small town, the miracle of LO Conference, and why faithfulness right where you are can create global impact.

Obedience Always Opens Doors
Christine reflects on decades of ministry and encourages listeners not to chase "big," but to follow Jesus-because obedience is always blessed.

Raising the Next Generation of Leaders
With stories about her daughters, Live Original, and her LO Sister community, Sadie reveals how legacy leadership begins at home-with authenticity and prayer.

Follow Sadie Huff, @legitsadierob
Discover more about LO Conference at https://www.losisterconference.com/

Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine

Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast. 

You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts! 

-
Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine. 

We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.

No matter where a woman has influence - in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry - Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.

Ben Stuart is back to unpack the mess and meaning of modern relationships. From ghosting to God's design, he shares why dating has become more confusing-and how the church can step in with clarity and care. Plus, insights on Gen Z's hunger for connection, life in DC, and some hilarious fishing fails.

Connect with us on social!
Ben: @Ben_Stuart_
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Read Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: https://bit.ly/3ZVg4bk
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
01:27 - Why Ben Updated His Book
05:57 - Church Dating Trends
09:23 - God's Moving in DC
11:46 - Young Leaders in DC
15:35 - Appreciating Ben and Donna
21:01 - Daily Rhythms and Life Hacks

Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is a sequel because Alli and I got to hang out with one of our dear friends, Professor Kristi McLelland. This snippet from Kristi's new book, Feasting on God's Word, will give you a glimpse of the adventure we're diving into today: "Life is both long and short. It has high and low moments. The promise of the Bible is that God is with us in and through it all. He has never been afraid of entering into the dust and ruin; restoration renewal, and repair are part of who He is." We're diving in pretty deep today y'all, so I'd encourage you to lean in and listen when you've got some breathing space and a little elbow room for the great, big, beautiful - albeit possibly weary - heart of yours. So please grab your favorite beverage, some yummy snacks, and that divine love letter we call the Bible. Then pull up a chair and prop your feet up on the porch with Alli, Professor Kristi, and me - we're grateful you've carved out the time and space to be with us today.

During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology Alli and I have the distinct privilege of diving deep into this divine love letter we call the Bible with one of our very dear friends who just so happens to be a world-renowned Bible scholar, Professor Kristi McLelland. Kristi spent over a year living in Egypt and Israel so that she could study Scripture in its original socio-historical context, and the fruits of her labor will leave you gob-smacked with wonder over the accessible, redemptive truisms in God's Word. Just listen to this excerpt from her new book, Feasting on God's Word, "We are not orphans; we are not fatherless. We do not have to open the Bible and dig something out to feed ourselves. We are not alone in the moment. When we approach the Word of God, we do so as sons and daughters postured to receive. Rather than having to feed ourselves, we are readying ourselves to inherit and take in whatever the living God is ready to say and do as we interact with the Text." If you want less duty and more delight when you engage with the redemptive narrative and promises found in God's enscripturated revelation, today's episode is tailor made for you, baby! So please grab an iced mocha and of course bring your Bible as you pull up a proverbial chair on the porch with us...we're really glad you're here!

Ben Stuart is back to unpack the mess and meaning of modern relationships. From ghosting to God's design, he shares why dating has become more confusing-and how the church can step in with clarity and care. Plus, insights on Gen Z's hunger for connection, life in DC, and some hilarious fishing fails.

Connect with us on social!
Ben: @Ben_Stuart_
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Read Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: https://bit.ly/3ZVg4bk
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
01:27 - Why Ben Updated His Book
05:57 - Church Dating Trends
09:23 - God's Moving in DC
11:46 - Young Leaders in DC
15:35 - Appreciating Ben and Donna
21:01 - Daily Rhythms and Life Hacks

Before you jump into this episode, we want to let you know that while we're having honest conversations today, some of the topics we'll be discussing might not be suitable for all ages.

What do we do with the wounds our bodies have absorbed-both visible and invisible? 

Candace and Lisa explore how body trauma, shame, and criticism shape how we see ourselves, often without us even realizing it. They share deeply personal stories, from unwanted physical encounters to hurtful comments and industry rejection, revealing how those moments lodged themselves in their hearts and memories.

But this conversation isn't just about pain-it's about healing. Through a theology rooted in the person of Jesus, the one who bore physical and emotional wounds for our freedom, they uncover the hope that comes from bringing our experiences into the light. 

Whether you're still carrying childhood shame or navigating confusing compliments as an adult, this episode invites you to pursue wholeness in body and soul. Plus, they answer a listener question from Eliana on how to break free from the cycle of body negativity and inconsistent self-discipline.

You don't need a big city to live a big calling. In this episode, host Christine Caine talks with Sadie Robertson Huff about faith, family, and the revival happening in the most unexpected places-including Duck Dynasty's new season. Sadie shares how she keeps her heart pure in the spotlight, why she chose Monroe, Louisiana over Hollywood, and how obedience-not strategy-is what God blesses. Whether you're a mom, a minister, or someone wondering if your small town is too small for purpose, this episode will remind you that God writes the best stories when we say yes to Him.

SHOW NOTES:
Revival Can Happen Anywhere
Sadie opens up about why she said yes to Duck Dynasty: The Revival and how a new season of the show is about more than entertainment-it's about showing Jesus to the world.

Choosing Calling Over Career
Christine and Sadie talk candidly about the tension between platform and purity-and how Sadie fights to stay aligned with God's call, not the world's expectations.

From Monroe to the Nations
Sadie shares how God is moving in her small town, the miracle of LO Conference, and why faithfulness right where you are can create global impact.

Obedience Always Opens Doors
Christine reflects on decades of ministry and encourages listeners not to chase "big," but to follow Jesus-because obedience is always blessed.

Raising the Next Generation of Leaders
With stories about her daughters, Live Original, and her LO Sister community, Sadie reveals how legacy leadership begins at home-with authenticity and prayer.

Follow Sadie Huff, @legitsadierob
Discover more about LO Conference at https://www.losisterconference.com/

Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine

Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast. 

You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts! 

-
Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine. 

We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.

No matter where a woman has influence - in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry - Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.

You don't have to quit when life gets hard - you can rise with resilient hope. In this episode, host Christine Caine shares the heart and inspiration behind her devotional Resilient Hope. From seasons of betrayal and burnout to breakthrough and endurance, Christine unpacks what it looks like to stand firm when life shakes you. If you're feeling weary, discouraged, or just longing to build deeper spiritual strength, this episode will equip you to anchor your hope in Jesus-and get back up again.

SHOW NOTES:
Why We Need Resilient Hope Right Now
Christine opens up about a season that left her breathless and overwhelmed-and how she clung to God's promises when everything around her was shaking.

Hope Is Not a Feeling-It's a Foundation
Our circumstances change constantly, but our hope is anchored in Jesus, who never changes.

You Can't Climb High Without Building Strength
Using hiking imagery, Christine explains that spiritual endurance is developed the same way physical endurance is: through intentional resistance and consistency.

Pain Doesn't Mean You're Off Course
Christine challenges the idea that pain means God isn't in it-sometimes, pressing through is exactly the sign you're in the center of your calling.

Start with the Source
True resilience isn't about working harder-it's about returning to Jesus faster. Christine encourages listeners to anchor their mornings in God's Word and presence.

Get the details on Resilient Hope at ChristineCaine.com/Hope
Find special guest host Mattie Meese at @Mattie.Meese

Gracie Binion is the real deal. In this episode, she shares how she went from writing songs in her childhood bedroom to leading worship with fire-and how a van full of bad smells and loud laughs became the backdrop to her newlywed life. She talks faith, calling, creative grit, and the night she heard God speak out loud. It's equal parts fun, raw, and full of purpose.

Connect with us on social!
Gracie: @graciebinion
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Listen to Gracie on Spotify: https://bit.ly/45JodTO
Listen to Gracie on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/3ZSjFa4
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
00:25 - The Worship Prowler
02:07 - Married on Valentine's Day
04:34 - Smelly Vans & Sacred Friendships
10:35 - Childhood Songs & Taylor Swift
18:22 - Cat-Sound Warmups
32:50 - Ministry School & Hearing God

During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology after the initial belly laughs we dive pretty deep - as is often the case with BPT - into a theme that's been my heartbeat for the last several years, which is what it really means to live a Jesus-shaped life. To imitate Jesus authentically, not just with religious language and ethical ideology. Theology is anything but sterile subject matter, y'all - it was meant to be lived, not simply learned - because God isn't a proposition to be examined, He's a triune personhood with whom we get to engage! So please get yourself a yummy iced latte, and come hang out on the porch with us...we're really glad you're here!

Candace and Lisa dive into a raw confession: "Dear God, I don't like my body." This episode of Body & Soul explores what happens when our physical reality feels like a burden-whether due to chronic pain, mental health struggles, or just the quiet disappointment we carry.

Candace shares the personal toll of living with migraines and the resentment it has sometimes stirred. Lisa opens up about hormonal changes, perimenopause, and the grief of realizing her body will never be what it once was. Together, they reflect on how body grief, trauma, and identity are deeply intertwined-and how Scripture offers a redemptive path forward.

If you've ever looked in the mirror and felt more frustration than freedom, this conversation will meet you there. It's for every woman who has whispered to God, "Why this body?"

During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology, Alli and I are hanging out with one of my dear friends, DawnCheré Wilkerson, who's really gifted at something I really struggle with, which is waiting. The first time I met DawnCheré - about ten years ago - she and her husband, Pastor Rich Wilkerson, were in the midst of a very long season of infertility. And yet she was somehow pregnant with hope. When I asked her how she held onto genuine hope and joy after so many years of heartbreak and disappointment, she told me that God was teaching her to live in the wait. Waiting is inescapable. And while we might feel like a whole lot of nothing is going on in a slow burn, we couldn't be more wrong. There most definitely is something going on. God has not forgotten you and because of His immutable presence and grace, we can all experience the miraculous juxtaposition of divine wonder within our waits. So please fix yourself a cup of coffee and your Bible, and come hang out on the porch with us. We're really glad you're here today.