In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the importance of self-examination. They explore how self-examination is not merely a self-focused endeavor but a process that involves God and others. The conversation highlights the benefits of self-examination, including personal growth, awareness of one's weaknesses, and the recognition of God's grace. They also address common pitfalls, such as self-shaming and misguided approaches, and emphasize the need to also look for the good as part of the biblical self-examination process. Mentioned in this episode: Registration for courses is now open for the January 2026 term! This term we'll be offering Helping Relationships with Ed Welch, Scripture for Life & Ministry with Aaron Sironi, and Counseling in the Local Church with Michael Gembola. If you're looking for an opportunity for personal growth along with training to better serve those around you, we want to invite you to join us. You can learn more at ccef.org/school.

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the multifaceted nature of patience. From personal anecdotes to biblical insights, listen as they delve into why patience is challenging, how it can lead to profound personal growth, and practical ways to develop patience in challenging situations. They discuss how patience shapes our relationships, our understanding of God's timing, and our ability to trust in his plans. Mentioned in this episode: We're just a couple weeks out from the 2025 CCEF National Conference! We'll be taking a look at the life and ministry of the apostle Paul to see how we can grow in our care for one another. Registration closes after September 29, so register soon! We hope you'll join us this October 3–5, whether virtually or in-person in Hershey, PA. To learn more and register, visit ccef.org/2025. Related resource:

• A Small Book about a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience and Peace | Book by Ed Welch

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the complexity of forgiveness. They address common misconceptions, the true meaning of forgiveness, the challenges we all face, and how to cultivate a forgiving spirit. They also emphasize the importance of understanding forgiveness as Christians, highlighting the balance between justice and mercy. Mentioned in this episode: Our ministry is fueled by the generous support of our donors. If this podcast has been an encouragement to you, would you consider giving to CCEF today? Your gift would help us continue to produce free resources like this for the good of God's people. You can learn more about ways to give at ccef.org/donate. Related resources:

• Is It Sinful to Keep a Record of Wrongs? | Blog post by Darby Strickland
• The World's Best Epilogue—Ever | Blog post by Ed Welch

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the topic of cultivating gratitude as a Christian. They discuss practical ways to foster gratitude in daily life, the challenges posed by a discontented culture, and the importance of perspective. They emphasize the coexistence of gratitude and sorrow, the transformative power of gratitude, and the need for humility in recognizing God's gifts. Mentioned in this episode: The price increases for our conference after August 4, so register soon! Learn more at ccef.org/2025. Related resources:

• Stretching Joy: 10 Ways to Notice God's Everyday Mercies | Blog post by Mike Emlet
• Jonah's Psalm of Thanksgiving | Blog post by Ed Welch

Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Conference Announcement01:25 Fostering Gratitude in Daily Life 14:16 Why Gratitude Is Difficult 19:00 Honest Gratitude Amid Sorrow 27:54 What Gratitude Cultivates in Us 34:02 The Alphabet Game: Reflecting on Gratitude

In this episode, Gunner Gundersen, Darby Strickland, and Esther Liu discuss the process of progressive sanctification. They explore its meaning and implications, and how it plays out in the lives of believers. How does our union and relationship with Christ serve as the foundation for our sanctification? How does growing in our understanding of this help us become more like Jesus? While sanctification can be a messy process, there is hope and encouragement in recognizing that our growth in Christ is a journey, not a destination, and that God is committed to us throughout this process. Mentioned in this episode: Enter our giveaway for a set of notebooks, a tote bag, and a bundle of books on the topic of sanctification. Three winners will be chosen on July 25. Enter at ccef.org/giveaway. Related resources:

• How Does Sanctification Work? | Book by David Powlison
• Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us | Book by Mike Emlet
• Real Change: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life | Book by Andrew Nicholls and Helen Thorne
• I'm discouraged by my persistent struggle with sin. How do I find hope? | Video by Lauren Whitman
• Why Do You Think You Can Do Better? | Blog post by Esther Liu

In this episode, CCEF faculty Gunner Gundersen, Esther Liu, and Darby Strickland discuss the often painful experience of feeling that God is silent. They explore the emotional turmoil and spiritual distress that accompanies this silence, particularly during prolonged suffering, and how it can lead to feelings of abandonment and doubt. Gunner, Esther, and Darby talk about how Scripture provides a framework for understanding and processing this experience of silence, and they discuss the commonality of this struggle among Christians. Ultimately, we hope this episode encourages you to trust in God's faithfulness, even when his presence feels distant, and to find solace in the stories of others who have endured similar trials. Mentioned in this episode: Download free audio from 8 conference sessions on the topic of guilt and shame here. Related resources:

• The Myth of God's Silence | Blog post by Ed Welch
• God's Grace in Your Suffering | Book by David Powlison

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the pervasive issue of busyness. They explore how busyness can often be a form of suffering, how our misguided desires can exacerbate the experience, and how the Lord's compassion makes a difference. They discuss why it's hard to say no to good things and the costs of busyness, and they highlight the freedom that comes from the reality of God's sovereignty and his presence in our busy world.

Mentioned in this episode: Read an important update from CCEF's Board of Trustees here.

Related resources:

• Busy Families: Learning to Say "No" in Order to Say "Yes" | Conference session by Mike Emlet
• When a Command Became a Promise | Blog post by Darby Strickland

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the different ways we can experience loneliness, particularly within church community. They explore the importance of recognizing and addressing these emotions, as well as finding ways to move toward those on the margins. They consider some helpful practices and insights on how to navigate loneliness, such as viewing others as family, taking one step at a time, moving outward, and being honesty before the Lord. Related resources:

• Pushing through Loneliness to Contentment | Conference session by Cecelia Bernhardt
• Caring for One Another: 8 Ways to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships | Book by Ed Welch
• Community: A Struggle to Fit | Blog post by Darby Strickland

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the challenges and expectations that come with church relationships. They discuss the importance of clear communication, understanding different personalities, and the role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful connections. They emphasize how our future hope and the steadfast friendship of Jesus are a source of comfort and strength in navigating these relationships. Related resources: - Caring for One Another: 8 Ways to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships | Book by Ed Welch - Community: A Struggle to Fit | Blog post by Darby Strickland - Expecting Less from Church | Blog post by Ed Welch

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the common struggle of engaging with Scripture, especially during difficult seasons. They consider God's patience and gracious intent for our Scripture reading, what it means to engage with the Word even when we don't hunger for it, and creative ways to engage with Scripture, such as through art or memorization. The conversation emphasizes the long-term nature of engaging with the Bible and the significance of community in fostering a deeper connection with God's Word.

Related resources:

• A Host of Scripture for Every Hardship | Podcast episode by Alasdair Groves
• Restoring Hearts to Scripture: Reconnecting with God’s Words After They Were Used to Hurt You | Conference talk by Darby Strickland
• Beyond Devotional Doldrums: Using Scripture and Prayer to Foster Intimacy with God | Conference talk by Mike Emlet