CLA+

People longed for the compassionate touch of Jesus. Each one who came was touched, and each one touched was changed. But none was touched or changed more than the unnamed leper described in the first four verses of Matthew chapter 8. “He bowed before Jesus and said, ‘Lord, you can heal me if you will.’ And Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man and said, ‘I will. Be healed!’ And immediately the man was healed from his disease.”

In New Testament times, leprosy was the most dreaded disease. In Scripture, the leper is symbolic of the ultimate outcast. A person doesn’t have to have leprosy to feel quarantined. The divorced, handicapped, unemployed, depressed, and terminally ill know this feeling. Jesus touched the untouchables of the world. Will you do the same?

Read more Just Like Jesus

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

In the early 1900s, successful steel businessman Charles Schwab decided to build perhaps the most lavish mansion in New York City. Completed in 1906, his Riverside Drive estate took its inspiration from French chateaus and spanned an entire city block with lush gardens, grand halls, and opulent interiors. It stood in stark contrast to the rising apartment buildings that would soon define Manhattan. Despite its grandeur, the estate struggled to find a buyer after Schwab’s death. The mansion was too large, too costly, and out of step with real estate trends. Riverside Drive estate was demolished in 1948. Both the mansion and the man faded away.

It’s easy for us to point to earthly realities like wealth, ambition, and mansions as destined to fade away. The words of Isaiah 40 remind us, “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field” (v. 6). Isaiah wrote to people enduring God’s discipline for their faithlessness. After He had corrected them, God would comfort them (vv. 1-2). People are like grass and flowers, and yes, “grass withers” and “flowers fall” (v. 8). But the truth of God Himself? It will outlast men and mansions and wealth and ambition and accolades. Yes, the word of our God endures forever (v. 8).

It’s good to keep in mind how fragile we are. And it’s wise to remember God’s word is everlasting.

After Joni Eareckson Tada’s mother died, Joni thought about Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians where he described how our bodies are like “jars of clay” that hold the treasure of Christ’s presence. She mused about a twenty-first century equivalent to describe our earthly bodies—a cardboard box. She knew her mother’s “box” with its worn-out corners and bends was now empty but, she reflected, it was a box they’d treasured, “the vessel in which the treasure of the Spirit of Christ had dwelt.”

As Joni notes, those who follow Jesus let Him shine through them, often in spectacular ways through the creases and holes as their boxes falter and begin to collapse with age. In this she followed Paul’s words about the treasure appearing in jars of clay because it would reveal that “this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Although Paul was “hard pressed” and “perplexed” with what he suffered, he was not “crushed” or “destroyed” (vv. 8–9). Through his sufferings in his body he knew that Christ’s life would be revealed.

How’s your cardboard box? You might feel the creases grow larger as you groan under the weight of pain or disease. Know, however, that Jesus is being revealed in your body (v. 10). As you submit to Him, He’ll shine His light through you, that those who are in darkness may receive His love and His life.

Nafi and Kamran joined a military coup. They fought for years, and when their side won, were given desk jobs in the capital. It’s not going well. There’s little to do so they go online. Nafi says that many of his comrades, “including me, are addicted to the internet, especially Twitter.” Kamran adds, “The real test and challenge was not during the [war]. Rather, it’s now. At that time, it was simple, but now things are much more complicated.” Citing the various temptations he found on the Web, he added, “Many . . . have fallen into these seemingly sweet, but actually bitter traps.”

Kamran’s right that we’re most vulnerable to let down our guard when we’re at ease, as he was after a war. In Scripture we find a similar caution in the story of David’s adultery with Bathsheba. It all began when he sent others off to war but remained behind in the capital. Like an undisciplined man scrolling the internet, David “got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace” (2 Samuel 11:2). He put himself in harm’s way. And when “he saw a woman bathing,” he didn’t turn away (v. 3).

We avoid the postwar letdown by remembering we’re still at war. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but . . . against the spiritual forces of evil.” So, as He helps us, we “put on the full armor of God” and prepare to “stand our ground” (Ephesians 6:12–13).

In this episode, Tia Levings returns to talk about her new book I Belong to Me - a guide to healing and recovery after high-control religion and other controlling environments. Tia walks through what she calls the steps before the steps: the audacity, the centrality, the willingness to want something different before you're even ready to name what happened to you. We talk about why language can free you and trap you at the same time, how cult-hopping happens and why, what developmental stages get stolen in high-control systems, and how somatic and body-based modalities opened up healing that talk therapy alone couldn't reach. This is a grounded, honest conversation about what it looks like to start to become the protagonist of your own story.

Tia Levings is the New York Times Bestselling author of A Well-Trained Wife, her memoir of escape from Christian Patriarchy and I Belong to Me: A Survivor’s Guide to Recovery and Hope after Religious Trauma. She writes about the realities of religious trauma, evangelical patriarchy, and the Trad wife life, decoding the fundamentalist influences in our news and culture. Her work and quotes have appeared in Teen Vogue, Salon, Newsweek, and the HuffingtonPost. She is an experienced interviewee, speaker, and podcast guest, and has appeared in the hit Amazon docu-series, Shiny Happy People. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, she is mom to four incredible adults and likes to travel, hike, paint, and daydream. Find her on social media @TiaLevingsWriter.

Tia's Book:

I Belong to Me

Tia's Recommendation:

Heart the Lover

Everything in Color

Connect with Joshua: [email protected]

Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTube

Support the podcast and the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below

Support the show

These employee stories are crazy, but they’re real. 

In this episode, we react to real, wild workplace stories and show you how to hire better and lead in a way that keeps chaos out of your business.

Next Steps:

·  Watch our video The $100,000 Mistake You’re Making Right Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s98a9J2EeK8

·      Figure out your business' next steps in a free consult call with an EntreLeadership team member: https://ter.li/cjk4u0

·      Have a question for the show? Call 844-944-1070 or send us a message: https://ter.li/ask-us

·      Learn about the EntreLeadership System™: https://ter.li/system-p

·      Get EntreLeadership Elite™ for your business: https://ter.li/elite-p

·      ✉️ Sign up to receive tactical tools, advice and resources in your inbox every week: https://ter.li/enl

·      Attend EntreLeadership Summit: https://ter.li/Summit-Leadership

·      Attend EntreLeadership Master Series: https://ter.li/masterseries-conference

·      Order Dave’s book Build a Business You Love: https://ter.li/b4kru2

Connect With Our Sponsors:

·      Go to Belay Solutions or text ENTRE to 55123 for their free resource!

·      Go to Christian Healthcare Ministries and use code ENTRE for a 50% credit toward your first month of membership.

·      Visit NetSuite today to learn more.

Listen to More From Ramsey Network:

Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman

️ The Ramsey Show

The Ramsey Show Highlights

The Dr. John Delony Show

Smart Money Happy Hour

George Kamel

Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page: 

Speaking God’s Language – Throughout the Bible, God encourages us to bring before him our worship and praise, confession, thanksgivings, intercessions, and petitions. As Christians grow in the discipline of praying, it becomes clear that there is always more to learn. Joni Eareckson Tada shares insights and personal stories that will hone your skill of including scripture in your prayers.

Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!

*Limit one copy per person*

--------

Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.

Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.”

Because Jesus has forgiven us, we can forgive others. Because he lives in us, you and I can do the same. Oh, I could never do that, you object. The hurt is so deep. Just seeing the person makes me cringe. Perhaps that’s the problem: you’re seeing too much of the wrong person. Try shifting your glance away from the one who hurt you and setting your eyes on the One who has saved you.

Please understand. Relationships don’t thrive because the guilty are punished but because the innocent are merciful. Are there any relationships in your world thirsty for mercy? Is there anyone who needs to be assured of your grace? Jesus made sure his disciples had no reason to doubt his love. Why don’t you do the same?

Read more Just Like Jesus

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

What does it mean to multiply fruit in leadership?

For Dr. Julie Armstrong, it starts much deeper than productivity, influence, or organizational success. In this powerful conversation, she explains that lasting fruit begins with cultivating the fruit of the Spirit personally before attempting to lead others well.

Throughout the episode, Julie reflects on leadership as “a long obedience in the same direction,” emphasizing daily Scripture intake, practicing gratitude, humility, and dependence on both God and others.

She shares practical ways her teams intentionally cultivate healthy culture — including beginning every meeting with “good news from work and home” — and explains why joy must not be overlooked in Christian leadership.

The conversation also explores how loving people well creates unexpected ministry opportunities, even in secular workplaces, and how biblical leadership principles can transform organizational culture without compromising excellence.

One of the most moving moments comes when Julie describes hearing stories from listeners around the world engaging with Moody content — including prisoners serving life sentences, struggling single mothers, and individuals in nations hostile to the gospel.

As the episode closes, Julie offers a compelling challenge for the future of Christian leadership: pursue unity. In a divided world, she believes leaders must intentionally reflect the unity of the triune God through Spirit-led leadership and Christ-centered relationships.

GUEST BIO

Dr. Julie Armstrong served as Director of Operations for ⁠Moody Global Media⁠. In this role, she oversaw organizational operations, culture, systems, leadership execution, and strategic implementation across the ministry. Julie is passionate about cultivating healthy leadership cultures grounded in biblical principles and the fruit of the Spirit.

KEY QUOTES

“Before we can multiply fruit in others, we have to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in ourselves.”

“The famous long obedience in the same direction.”

“There’s always something to be thankful for because God is always good.”

“The more I know, the more I know I don’t know.”

“There’s only one example of a sole leader leading God’s people — and that’s Jesus Christ.”

“The gospel is for everyone.”

“That one person risking their life to hear the gospel inspires me just as much as the millions.”

“We should not settle for anything less than unity.”

What does it mean to multiply fruit in leadership?

For Dr. Julie Armstrong, it starts much deeper than productivity, influence, or organizational success. In this powerful conversation, she explains that lasting fruit begins with cultivating the fruit of the Spirit personally before attempting to lead others well.

Throughout the episode, Julie reflects on leadership as “a long obedience in the same direction,” emphasizing daily Scripture intake, practicing gratitude, humility, and dependence on both God and others.

She shares practical ways her teams intentionally cultivate healthy culture — including beginning every meeting with “good news from work and home” — and explains why joy must not be overlooked in Christian leadership.

The conversation also explores how loving people well creates unexpected ministry opportunities, even in secular workplaces, and how biblical leadership principles can transform organizational culture without compromising excellence.

One of the most moving moments comes when Julie describes hearing stories from listeners around the world engaging with Moody content — including prisoners serving life sentences, struggling single mothers, and individuals in nations hostile to the gospel.

As the episode closes, Julie offers a compelling challenge for the future of Christian leadership: pursue unity. In a divided world, she believes leaders must intentionally reflect the unity of the triune God through Spirit-led leadership and Christ-centered relationships.

GUEST BIO

Dr. Julie Armstrong served as Director of Operations for Moody Global Media. In her role, she oversaw organizational operations, culture, systems, leadership execution, and strategic implementation across the ministry. Julie is passionate about cultivating healthy leadership cultures grounded in biblical principles and the fruit of the Spirit.

KEY QUOTES

“Before we can multiply fruit in others, we have to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in ourselves.”

“The famous long obedience in the same direction.”

“There’s always something to be thankful for because God is always good.”

“The more I know, the more I know I don’t know.”

“There’s only one example of a sole leader leading God’s people — and that’s Jesus Christ.”

“The gospel is for everyone.”

“That one person risking their life to hear the gospel inspires me just as much as the millions.”

“We should not settle for anything less than unity.”

TIMESTAMP CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the podcast and sponsorship

02:10 Julie Armstrong’s role at Moody Global Media

05:12 Defining the “fruit” of leadership

08:40 Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit

13:05 Practicing gratitude in leadership culture

16:20 Humility, repentance, and reconciliation

19:10 Shared leadership and dependency

23:45 Loving people well in leadership

29:15 Building joyful, flourishing teams

34:20 Global impact stories from Moody Global Media

40:10 Unity as the future challenge for Christian leaders

44:30 Final encouragement for leaders

RESOURCES & LINKS

• ⁠Christian Leadership Alliance⁠
• ⁠FaithSearch Partners⁠
• ⁠Moody Global Media⁠