Join J.D. (Jeff) Peabody, the author of "Perfectly Suited: The Armor of God for the Anxious Mind, Kate Henderson and Laurine Decker, your host, as we talk about what the armor of God means for those who battle OCD or anxiety. This episode is an invitation to discover the strength and grace available to you as you lean on God to don the spiritual armor won for you by Christ.Have you ever considered the armor of God as a symbol of care and vulnerability, rather than mere strength and toughness? This episode offers a fresh perspective on the armor of God and its potential to assist in overcoming anxiety. We explore how sinking into God's protection and accepting His grace can provide relief from the pressures of striving to be independently strong. We discuss the transformative power of faith and vulnerability. Our chat highlights the importance of the belt of truth, a crucial component of the armor, and its role in helping us stay resilient irrespective of external circumstances. We also explore the notion that sometimes, growth means things getting worse before they improve. The journey towards growth and freedom might be challenging, but knowing that you're standing in God's armor can make it a little less daunting. Come join us in this enlightening exploration of faith, vulnerability, and growth.If you'd like to order Jeff's book, it is available on Amazon.

The "road" to wellness has never been more discussed. With so much knowledge and information, how is it that we are more sick than ever?  Janet Massey joins us today, and we chat about our own personal journeys through much wilderness and suffering in regard to wellness. Janet's authentic, inspirational journey of transformation and wellness through faith in Jesus Christ is remarkable. Janet has a doctorate in physical therapy and a lot of "knowledge" - yet she has come to the simple and profound truth of the power that is hers in Christ.  She is a living example of his deliverance and her perspective is inspiring and faith building.We hope you will take encouragement from our discussion about our growth in understanding our relationship with God - the Father, Son and Spirit. We have both experienced and believe in the lasting and transformative wellness that comes through Christ. We know first hand over many years that his hope does not disappoint, and that no matter where you might be on the journey, you're not alone, you are loved, and that his promises are true for you.

Ever felt like you're navigating the crazy terrain of life and comfort is elusive? Well, we're right there with you! Maybe you don’t even know or can’t quite identify what comfort exactly might look like for you. It's certainly new for me. I have found a lot of  comfort through addictive patterns and coping mechanisms.  Although they can “work” for a time, eventually we need to let them go in order to have the peace and joy and love we are promised.  Join my dear friend Lanette and me as we process  the critical role comfort plays to walk in the “more” promised us by God. We share stories of healing, personal discoveries, and challenges we've overcome as we have purposed to press into deeper levels of intimacy with one another and our families.We process some real and recent practice with ourselves and our kids.  We take a moment to slow down, invite comfort through our faith, and extend that comfort to others in the face of adversity. I think no matter where you’re at and what you're wrestling with, this episode offers hope and insights that can  help in the journey. 

Join marriage and family therapist Bill Bedell and me as we talk about darkness. This is a conversation that might change your perspective on healing, growth, and transformation. We share a little of our own experiences, including the impact of darkness on both of our lives through other significant relationships and our own stories.  We have vital need to show up tenaciously to receive the healing of God as HE has for us, not the healing we think we want or need.  We talk about how the walk of sanctification is really about leaning into surrender and rest, rather than a pressing toward a solution.  Sometimes in the despair or quest to squash fear or manage our lives, we actually achieve the opposite effect of what we desire. We may gain control, but lose freedom and joy. God says we can have self-control, love, peace, joy and all of the best for ourselves and to give away. God says his light overcomes the darkness. Our part is to show up again and again to receive what he has said is ours, and to trust that he alone knows how that is given. 

Are you striving to surrender more in your faith? Guest Kari Levang and I realize how often we fail to recognize God's steadfastness and find ourselves trying to be the steadfast ones. How about a shift in perspective - from working harder to surrendering more and relying on God's unwavering love and mercy. We dive into the concept of HIS rest and how it provides peace and confidence and direction in our lives.We also take a look at the impact of God's steadfast love on our relationships. As we experience his love firsthand, we increase in our ability to give and receive love with those we are in relationship with. Kari and I have practiced this a lot and can attest to the long and hard but worthwhile journey. We share some of our personal story and experiences, and chat about the crucial role of community in our growth as disciples of Jesus.Join us as we challenge ourselves to remain firm in the Lord's strength, identify the enemy's tactics, and stand unshaken during difficult times. Jesus sure embodied this by the power of the Spirit! We hope that our journey of recognizing God's unwavering love, mercy, and strength inspires you to tap into these divine gifts to overcome your challenges and live a fulfilling life. 

Is anyone else feeling the reality of how difficult it is to walk in real fellowship? It's not easy in this world!  We all live such self contained lives. The days of "going to the well" or the community center or even consistent overlap at church seem to be largely over!Yet.  We are promised "more" in Christ. We are promised abundance. We are told we can walk in love, peace and joy. This isn't in a world without trial and tribulation. In fact we are promised those things too!! In Jesus most lengthy recorded prayer in John 17 he actually acknowledges this. He doesn't ask that we be spared, but rather given unity and protection from the evil one. It's pretty mind blowing that we can be held secure in him and that part of the way we learn how to stand in him is through being spurred on by one another through the Church! As messy and imperfect as the Church has always been, it is still the "bride of Christ" and the method God uses to refine us.

We've all been impacted by comparison in one way or another. In this culture with such easy access to information about how everyone else seems to be living their lives, it can be especially confusing. How can we shift our perspectives so that we benefit and are spurred on rather than deflated by what we know of others?

To achieve TRUE satisfaction and intimacy, we need to be TOGETHER - first with God and then with others. From the garden, God modeled togetherness with Jesus and the Spirit and created us to be together with one another. It is not good for us to be alone! How can we press into the more? How can we walk in the agape love that is ours in Christ with one another? It's possible as we walk by the Spirit and receive what Jesus has for us as we abide.

The Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity that is the least talked about (or in some cases over-emphasized)! We can be certain that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom and love and that the Lord God is glorified! Will you consider the prayer "Lord God, thank you that through Jesus Christ and his salvation, I have been given the Spirit to guide and teach me. Lors, instruct me by your Spirit as I want to learn more about you." Revelation, knowledge and power are given through the Spirit! When we know the Word of God, we are able to "test the spirits" as it tells us in 1 John4:1 so that we are not misled but stay true to the gospel of love. Jesus, when he was glorified, SEALED those who believe in him with the Holy Spirit. The deposit of the Spirit is within us! Yes, there is mystery - after all God is God and we are not - and we see through a glass darkly, but the cool part is that we are equipped through his power, not our own! What a relief. We show up to ask and receive. The instruction, conviction, comfort and revelation of knowledge of Christ are through the Spirit Jesus left with us to counsel and guide us into truth. (John 14:16-17, John 16:7, John 7:38-39 and more.)

Is true change possible? Join Laurine & Norma Mears, as they talk about physical and spiritual metamorphosis. If you have received Jesus as your savior, you are a new creature in Christ.  We are told this in 2 Corinthians 5:17. The truth is, he has won the victory and you are clothed in his robes of righteousness and forgiveness. How can we WALK as the new creatures we are declared to be?