Do you ever feel like you need to fix yourself before God can love you? Here's what it actually looks like to let God into your mess instead of hiding it. Author, actor, and filmmaker Nathan Clarkson shares his personal journey of growing up in the church, hiding behind a “good Christian” image, and how freedom finally came when he stopped pretending and started being honest with God. 

Want more? Check out Nathan's book, I'm the Worst: How Freedom is Found in Admitting Our Faults

Scripture referenced:

• 1 Corinthians 12:27
• Romans 12:3-13
• 1 John 4:19
• 1 Samuel 13:14; 2 Samuel 11-12
• Matthew 7:3-5
• Genesis 3:12
• John 4:1-43

About Nathan Clarkson:
Website | Instagram | The Overthinkers Podcast

Nathan's YouVersion plans:
Uniquely Made: 10 Scripture Prayers to Nurture Your Child's Heart | The Way of Kings | Good Man

Nathan's favorite Bible study tools:
NLT | Leather Journal | BibleGateway | YouVersion 

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What if staying with Jesus isn’t about feeling more—but remembering better? 

Worship leader, songwriter, and Christian music producer Andrew Osenga shares his story of staying with Jesus through seasons of disillusionment, church hurt, and spiritual burnout. When faith felt thin and friends were leaving the church, Andrew discovered something unexpected: hymns, liturgy, and written prayers that carried his faith when feelings and words ran out.

If you’ve ever:

• Loved Jesus but struggled with church
• Felt burned out, distracted, or spiritually numb
• Sat down to pray and didn’t know what to say
• Wondered how to stay with Jesus for the long haul

this conversation is for you.

Check out Andrew's book, How to Remember: Forgotten Pathways to an Authentic Faith!

Resources mentioned:

• The Daily Office
• Drive Thru History: The Gospels | Acts to Revelation | Ends of the Earth
• The Daily Liturgy Podcast

Andrew's favorite Bible study tools:

CSB Bible (small) | CSB Bible (unmarked) | YouVersion | BibleGateway

About Andrew Osenga:
Website | Substack | The Pivot Podcast

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Jesus meets us in our loneliness, shame, and longing for validation. 

Ellen and Taylor dive into the powerful story of the woman at the well. Together, they explore why the need to belong is so deeply human, how rejection truly hurts, and how Christ offers living water that fully satisfies. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, feeling unseen, or wondering if your past disqualifies you from God’s love, this conversation will remind you that Jesus sees your heart—and He invites you into freedom, healing, and true acceptance. 

Check out our new 7-week study, The Gospel of John: The EASY Bible Study Method!

Scripture referenced:

• John 4:1-42
• Romans 7:19-20
• Luke 12:7

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After the tragic death of her 3-year-old son River in 2019, Amber Smith began a journey through "the valley of the shadow of death" that led her to experience the darkness of grief—and the light that Jesus brings, even in our greatest pain. This conversation explores grief, faith, and what it looks like to keep seeking God even in the valley. 

Read Amber's memoir, The Girl on the Bathroom Floor, today!

💌 Don't miss an episode! Subscribe here to get a monthly roundup of all the conversations you missed. 

Scripture referenced:

• Psalm 139:13
• Hosea 6:1
• Proverbs 3:5
• Romans 12:12
• Psalm 23

About Amber Smith:
Instagram | Website | YouTube

Amber's favorite Bible study tools:
Bible-in-a-Year Plan | LSB Bible | John MacArthur Study Bible | Gel Highlighters | Gel Pens | @shelovesbible products | Olive Tree Bible App

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Have you ever started reading the Bible with good intentions of consistency, only to fall behind, feel discouraged, and give up? You’re not alone. Today Ellen and Taylor are sharing the tips that helped them start reading the Bible—and actually keep going. 

Check out our new book, The Gospel of John: The EASY Bible Study Method, releasing on January 6, 2026!

💌 Don't miss an episode! Subscribe here to get a monthly roundup of all the conversations you missed. 

Resources:

• One-Year Bible Reading Plan
• Coffee and Bible Time Community
• How to Study the Bible With ADHD
• YouVersion
• EASY Bible Study Method
• EASY Bible Study Method Notebook
• EASY Bible Study Method podcast series: 1 2 3 4 

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YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

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God is with you—even in life’s hardest moments. Retired Air Force chaplain Bob Page shares powerful stories of hope, presence, and transformation, reminding listeners that God is with you in heartbreak, detours, and healing.

Check out Bob's new book, God Is Still For You: Ten Reasons You Can Be Sure Even When Life Is Hard

Download a free sample and study guide here!

 💌 Don't miss an episode! Subscribe here to get a monthly roundup of all the conversations you missed. 

Scripture referenced:

• Psalm 121
• Matthew 5-7
• Genesis 16:13

Bob's favorite Bible study tools:

NIV Bible | Colored markers | BibleGateway | God Is Still For You Playlist

Learn more about Bob Page:

Website | Facebook

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YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

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When you’re exhausted, hurting, and still trying to hold everything together… where does Jesus meet you? 

Today, Ellen is joined by Sherri Hughes-Gragg to talk about what it looks like to come to Jesus when you’re tired of being strong—when your faith feels worn down, your strength is gone, and you don’t have anything left to prove. 

Check out Sherri's new devotional, The Compassionate Christ: Draw Near to the Risen Savior

Scripture references:

• Mark 4:35-41
• Matthew 8:1-4
• Luke 8:43-48
• Matthew 27:46
• Psalm 22:1, 24
• Ephesians 3:19

Other resources:
Grace Unknown: The Heart of Reformed Theology by R.C. Sproul

Advent: The Story of Christmas by Sherri Hughes-Gragg

Sherri's favorite Bible study tools:
NIV | NASB | LEUCHTTERM1917 Notebook | Logos (use this link for a 60-day free trial!) | BibleGateway

Learn more about Sherri Hughes-Gragg:
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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What if Jesus isn't found in big, dramatic moments—but in the quiet, ordinary places you tend to overlook? 

In this episode, botanical artist and author Sylvie Vanhoozer shares how Advent time can reshape the way we see God in our everyday lives. Through simple practices of paying attention, noticing beauty, and welcoming Christ right where we are, Sylvie invites us into a slower, more intentional season that opens our hearts to Jesus: during Christmas and far beyond. 

Explore more with Sylvie's new book, The Art of Living in Advent: 28 Days of Joyful Waiting, and her first devotional, The Art of Living in Season: A Year of Reflection For Everyday Saints!

Scripture referenced:

• Psalm 19:1-2
• Psalm 46:10
• Genesis 3:8
• Genesis 2:7

Sylvie's favorite Bible study tools:
ESV Study Bible | Pocket-Size Notebook | Mechanical Pencil | YouVersion

Learn more about Sylvie Vanhoozer:
Website

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How can you find healing from a broken relationship? In this episode, Christina Daniels joins us to explore how to recognize unhealthy patterns, set God-honoring boundaries, and walk through the hard but freeing process of forgiveness.  Discover how to let God transform your heart, guide your steps, and bring His healing into the places that feel most broken. 

Looking for more? Check out Christina's book, Healing After Toxic Love: A Guide and Workbook to Find Peace, Clarity, and Strength After a Toxic Relationship

Scripture referenced:

• Luke 22:3
• John 21:15-19
• 1 Samuel 19:9-10
• Proverbs 4:23
• Judges 16:4-22
• 1 John 4:18
• John 8:32
• Proverbs 27:17
• Matthew 16:21-23
• Matthew 18:15-18
• Psalm 68:6
• Hosea 1:2-3
• 1 John 1:8-10
• Matthew 5:8 
• Galatians 2:11-14

How I Study My Bible And Take Notes

Learn more about Christina Daniels:

Adorned Heart | Linktree

Christina's favorite Bible study tools:

Spiral notebook | Colored pens | Highlighters | Sticky notes | BibleGateway | GotQuestions | BibleRef

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YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

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When the seasons of life leave you weary, the story of Ruth invites you to the table. We're exploring one of Scripture's most moving narratives, guided by author and Bible teacher Laura Piraino. Through Ruth's journey from famine to fulfillment, Ellen and Laura unpack the spiritual seasons we all encounter, and the hope we find in our Redeemer working quietly through it all. 

Get your copy of At the Table With Ruth today!

Scripture referenced:

• Ruth 1-4
• Psalm 34:8
• Luke 2
• John 1:5

Laura's favorite Bible study tools:

• NLT
• NIV
• Spiral-bound journal
• Zebra pen
• Bible Hub
• Conversation Cards

About Laura Piraino:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.