🎙️ Battling the Unseen: Embracing Spiritual Warfare in Daily Life
Send us a textEver felt like your everyday struggles might be more than just bad luck? Picture this: Johnny’s morning of yard work turns into a spiritual battle, and Jess emphasizes why recognizing these subtle signs is crucial. Tune in to hear Johnny's rant about the current state of the Olympics and how it surprisingly ties into the broader theme of spiritual warfare. As we set up in a new recording space, we promise a cozy, heart-to-heart experience that dives deep into the unseen battles we face daily.Curious about the real nature of spiritual warfare? Forget those cherubic angels; we're unpacking biblical descriptions that might surprise you. We delve into practical ways to arm yourself spiritually—think knowing scripture, maintaining a strong prayer life, and surrounding yourself with faith-boosting companions. Jess and Johnny discuss the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus to stay spiritually prepared, sharing actionable advice to help you recognize and respond to spiritual opposition.Ever wondered if your passion could be your spiritual shield? Meet Mike Servine, whose journey from gang member to Christian dancer showcases resilience and divine purpose. We explore how major undertakings, like planning a church, can often attract spiritual attacks—and why that's a sign you're on the right path. Our heartfelt prayer for listeners and an invitation to share your spiritual battles make this episode not just a discussion, but a community effort. Join us as we navigate the intersection of everyday life and spiritual insights, fostering a deeper connection with faith.
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🎙️S3: Ep.8 - Rekindling the Romance Through Faith and Forgiveness
Send us a textEver wondered how a simple day at home could turn into an adventure with a blue skink? We certainly didn’t until it happened to us! Join us as we recount the hilarious and mildly terrifying moment we discovered an unexpected reptilian guest in our living room. You’ll meet our spirited children—Liberty, Makenna, Elijah, and Charlotte—and get a taste of the chaos and comedic frustration that ensued. From Liberty’s fearless approach to Makenna preteen drama, our family’s antics will leave you laughing and reminiscing about your own household surprises.Struggling to find joy in your marriage? You're not alone. Shockingly, 7% of marriages are completely unhappy, especially among women. Discover how to turn things around through effective communication and intentional effort. We unpack the importance of being "one flesh" and prioritizing your spouse amidst the chaos of kids, jobs, and daily life. By drawing on biblical principles, we share practical advice and personal anecdotes on how to reignite the spark in your relationship, making it more fulfilling and joyful.Faith and forgiveness are the cornerstones of a strong marriage. In our discussion, we delve into how leading your family spiritually and embracing forgiveness can transform your relationship. Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we talk about applying love, patience, and kindness in your daily interactions. Whether you're battling the pitfalls of merely coexisting or looking to strengthen your marital bond, tune in for an inspiring conversation that calls for repentance, renewal, and a deeper connection through faith.
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39:06
🎙️S3: Ep.7 -Surviving Costco and Strengthening Spiritual Bonds
Send us a textHave you ever found yourself navigating the chaotic aisles of Costco, only to realize it feels like a scene straight out of Black Friday? Join us this week on Confess the Mess with Johnny and Jess as we recount our hilariously hectic trip to Costco, complete with Johnny’s quest for a Mediterranean salad and Jess's amusing run-ins with impatient shoppers. But it’s not all laughs; we also share the emotional highs and lows we experienced while our two oldest daughters were away at church camp, touching on the spiritual growth we witnessed through live-streamed night sessions and the impactful role of the camp’s bilingual worship leader.We dive deep into the complexities of maintaining Christ-centered relationships in a world filled with diverse beliefs. Reflecting on personal experiences, we explore the concept of being "unequally yoked" and navigate the difficult terrain of friendships and family dynamics when faith paths diverge. From discussing the transformative journey of coming to Christ to emphasizing the necessity of surrounding ourselves with spiritually supportive individuals, this conversation offers valuable insights into fostering a faith-filled life amidst worldly pressures and influences.Lastly, we tackle the issue of “closet Christians” and the importance of openly living out one's faith, inspired by Luke 9:26. We shed light on the detrimental effects of constant negativity and the power of maintaining a positive, Christ-like attitude. Exciting updates include a new feature for submitting prayer requests and sneak peeks into potential future content with guest appearances by our children. This is an episode brimming with faith, family, and a whole lot of laughter. Don’t miss it!
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40:31
🎙️S3: Ep.6 - Embracing Obedience and Taking Leaps of Faith
Send us a textEver wondered why choosing a TV show with your partner can feel like a battlefield? We've been there recently, and after moving from a cramped apartment to a beautiful house in a lake town, the struggle became hilariously real. This week, we catch up after a seven-week hiatus, sharing the highs and lows of our big move, the joy of extra yard space for our kids and dogs, and our comically different tastes in entertainment. Tune in for some laughs and hints at our big announcements on the horizon!The heart of our episode delves into the profound topic of obedience—especially what it means to be fully obedient to God. Whether it’s significant life changes or the small, everyday spiritual disciplines, we draw lessons from the story of Jonah. Highlighting the internal conflicts and cultural pressures that challenge our obedience, we share practical steps like prayer and fasting to seek alignment with God's will. If you’ve ever wrestled with finding peace through obedience, this discussion is for you.Finally, we reflect on the blessings that come from stepping out in faith, even when it’s terrifying. Sharing personal stories of our own leap into a new home and ministry journey, we highlight the unexpected growth and blessings from saying 'yes' to God’s calling. We encourage listeners to identify their big, scary steps and emphasize starting with small acts of obedience, like daily scripture reading and practicing gratitude. With a focus on how parents can nurture their children's faith, we aim to inspire a life that truly reflects one's faith. Join us for a compelling conversation on faith, obedience, and the joy of following God's call.
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31:42
🎙️S3: Ep.5 - Living Life through a Heavenly lens
Send us a textWe all know that house hunting can turn into quite the expedition, but when you throw in a dash of divine perspective, it becomes a journey of both faith and floor plans. This episode takes you through our own comical misadventures in the competitive Charlotte suburbs, where the quest for the perfect home for our family (and pets!) turned into an unexpected lesson in humility. As we navigate through the brick and mortar of life, we often forget to look up and see the celestial blueprint that shapes our existence. We delve into the transformation that a heavenly perspective can bring, reflecting on the recent Gallup poll findings and what it means to truly fear God in a world that sometimes seems to only casually 'love Jesus.' The discussion becomes a deeply personal one as we share stories that will challenge you to consider your own eternal identity and how it reflects in your day-to-day life.Finally, we wrap things up on a note of spiritual anticipation, teasing future conversations on the unseen battles between good and evil, and the awe-inspiring depiction of angels in scripture – a far cry from their pop culture renditions. We explore the immense joy and challenges that come with walking the path of discipleship, emphasizing that our primary ministries begin right at home. Whether you're looking to find God in the everyday or seeking to understand your role in the grand tapestry of faith, this episode is an invitation to view life through a heaven-focused lens.