What if God’s correction isn’t rejection—but protection?In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey, founder of Connect Mentoring Network, explores why God’s correction can actually be a sign of His love.Through the story of Habakkuk and the wisdom of Hebrews 12, we’ll look at the difference between correction and condemnation, why God is willing to interrupt us when He sees something we cannot see, and what it might look like to welcome the Holy Spirit’s correction instead of resisting it.“You have marked them for correction.” —Habakkuk 1:12What if instead of asking, “Why are You correcting me?” we learned to ask: “Lord, what are You protecting me from?”In this episode, we’ll talk about:• Why correction is a sign of relationship• How God’s correction protects us• The difference between conviction and condemnation• Why correction requires a posture of listening• What Habakkuk teaches us about trusting God when we don’t have the whole picture• How we can respond to God’s correction with surrender rather than fearGod loves us too much to leave us where we are.CONNECT MENTORING NETWORKConnect Mentoring Network exists to support and strengthen women in ministry leadership through intentional, Spirit-led mentoring.Visit Connect Mentoring Network to explore biblical resources, on-demand courses, mentoring, and practical encouragement.You can download individual resources or become a Connect Mentoring Network member and gain access to the full library of resources and the mentoring community. LINK: www.connectmentoringnetwork.orgIf this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with another woman who may need this reminder today!#GodsCorrection #GodsLove #ConnectPodcast #ChristianWomen #WomenInMinistry #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalEncouragement #HolySpirit #ConnectMentoringNetwork

What comes to mind when you hear the word fasting?

A 40-day fast?

Going without food?

Something only “super spiritual” Christians do?

Many believers avoid fasting—not because they don’t love God, but because they misunderstand what fasting is.

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, we’re talking about:

✨ What fasting is

✨ What fasting is not

✨ Why Jesus said “when you fast”

✨ How fasting helps us draw closer to God

✨ How to begin practicing this important spiritual discipline

Fasting is not about punishment.

It’s not about proving how spiritual we are.

It’s about surrender.

It’s about creating space for God.

Join me for this conversation as we rediscover the beauty of biblical fasting and why this discipline still matters for believers today.

Listen now and share this episode with someone who wants to grow deeper in their walk with God! For more on fasting, check out the Fasting e-course at www.connectmentoringnetwork.org or explore memberships for access to the full library of resources!

#ConnectPodcast #BiblicalFasting #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndSpirituality #SpiritualDisciplines #ChristianWomen #WomenOfFaith #GrowingInFaith #Discipleship #HearingGod #ChristianLiving #ConnectMentoringNetwork

Have you ever wondered if God is disappointed in you when you struggle?

Many of us understand that God loves us, but we still wrestle with the question: “What does God really think about me when I fail?”

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey explores one of the most misunderstood moments in Scripture—the time when Jesus overturned tables in the temple.

Through Mark 11:15-18, we discover that Jesus’ response was not about rejection, anger, or punishment. It was about love. He was removing the things that had become barriers between people and the presence of God.

God does hate sin—but because He loves us. He hates what sin does. He hates what destroys. He hates what keeps His children from experiencing the freedom, healing, and wholeness He created them for.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why Jesus cleared the temple• The difference between conviction and condemnation• How God’s correction reveals His love• The ways we can “self-medicate in the presence of Jesus”• What may be keeping us from experiencing deeper intimacy with God

If you’re longing to grow spiritually, strengthen your leadership, and connect with other women who desire to follow God’s calling, we invite you to explore Connect Mentoring Network.

Visit www.connectmentoringnetwork.org to discover resources and community opportunities. You can explore individual resources or join as a member and receive access to the full library of courses and resources.

Thank you for joining me today on the Connect Podcast. I pray this conversation encourages you to remember:

God is not against you.

He is for you.

#ConnectPodcast #ChristianWomen #WomenOfFaith #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalEncouragement #SpiritualGrowth #KnowingGod #FaithJourney

Have you ever reached the end of the day feeling busy—but not necessarily intentional?

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey explores the biblical idea of developing a Rule of Life—a simple, intentional plan for creating spiritual rhythms that keep Christ at the center of everyday life.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by responsibilities, distracted by a busy schedule, or longed for a deeper relationship with God, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, refocus, and make space for what matters most.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What a Rule of Life is (and what it isn’t)

• Why our daily rhythms shape our spiritual lives

• How unintentional habits can leave us feeling scattered and exhausted

• Why abiding in Christ is the foundation for lasting spiritual growth

• Simple ways to begin living with greater peace, purpose, and intentionality

💚 Want to go deeper?The Developing a Rule of Life e-course is available at www.connectmentoringnetwork.org.

You can purchase the individual course or become a Connect Mentoring Network member to receive access to our growing library of Christ-centered courses, mentoring resources, and community designed to help you grow in your faith.

If this episode encouraged you:

✔ Subscribe to the channel.

✔ Like this video.

✔ Share it with a friend.

✔ Leave a comment below: What is one spiritual rhythm that helps you stay connected to God?

Thank you for being part of the Connect community. I’m so grateful you’re here!

#RuleOfLife #ChristianWomen #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualGrowth #IntentionalLiving #AbideInChrist #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #WalkWithGod #ConnectMentoringNetwork

Have you ever longed for deeper Christian friendships but didn’t know how to begin?

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey explores God’s design for Christian friendship and why meaningful, Christ-centered relationships are essential to a thriving faith.

Together, we’ll look at the fears that often keep us isolated, how Jesus consistently initiated relationships, and practical ways you can begin building life-giving friendships today.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• Why Christian friendship is essential to spiritual growth

• The lies that keep us isolated

• How Jesus modeled intentional relationships

• Practical ways to initiate meaningful friendships

• What healthy, biblical friendship looks like

Scriptures discussed:• Ecclesiastes 4:9–10• Genesis 2:18• Luke 19:1–10• John 15:13• Proverbs 27:6• Galatians 6:2

📖 Read this week’s companion blog: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org/blog

🌿 Ready to go deeper? Explore the Building Friendship e-course and discover a growing library of biblical mentoring resources for women in ministry at ConnectMentoringNetwork.org.

If this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who could use a reminder that she was never meant to follow Jesus alone.

Let’s keep growing in faith, leadership, and the friendships God designed us to enjoy.

#ChristianFriendship #ChristianPodcast #WomenInMinistry #BiblicalFriendship #ChristianCommunity #Discipleship #FaithJourney #JenniferSpivey #ConnectMentoringNetwork

God Offered His Voice—and That Invitation Still Stands Today!Many believers quietly drift into a pattern of indirect spirituality—hearing about God, but not hearing from Him.In this episode, Jennifer Spivey unpacks a powerful moment in Deuteronomy 5 where Israel is offered direct relationship with God… but chooses mediation instead.This teaching explores what it means to live in true intimacy with God, rather than replacing relationship with structure, religion, or secondhand spirituality.You’ll learn:✔ God’s original desire for direct relationship✔ Why Israel asked for a mediator—and what it reveals✔ The difference between law-based living and relational living✔ How Scripture shows God still speaks today✔ What it means to truly hear God’s voiceKey Scriptures:Deuteronomy 5Romans 8:1–2John 17:3Hebrews 12:18–26Luke 10: Mary and MarthaIf this episode encourages you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE!CONNECT WITH JENNIFER SPIVEY:➡ Connect Mentoring Network: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org#LeadershipDevelopment #ChristianLeadership #WomenInMinistry #MinistryLeadership #ChurchLeadership #HealthyLeadership #TeamLeadership #FaithLeadership #Discipleship #Mentoring

The Goal of Leadership Is Release, Not RetentionMost leaders don’t intend to create dependency—but it can happen slowly over time.

What starts as helpful involvement can become a bottleneck that limits growth, multiplies burnout, and keeps others from developing their own leadership capacity.

In this episode, Jennifer Spivey unpacks one of the most important leadership shifts:

👉 Healthy leadership is not about being needed

👉 It’s about releasing and equipping others to lead

Through John 14:12, Luke 9–10, and the example of Jesus in John 14–16, you’ll learn how biblical leadership is designed for multiplication, not centralization.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔ Why dependency often masquerades as success✔ The difference between a needed leader and a multiplying leader✔ How Jesus modeled intentional release✔ Why leadership growth requires stepping back, not stepping in✔ How to evaluate if you are the bottleneck in your leadership environmentKey Scripture:John 14:12Luke 9–10John 14–16If this episode encourages you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with another leader or ministry team member.CONNECT WITH JENNIFER SPIVEY:➡ Connect Mentoring Network: www.connectmentoringnetwork.orgYou'll find e-courses, blog, mentorship, resources to strengthen you in your leadership and calling in Christ!#LeadershipDevelopment #ChristianLeadership #WomenInMinistry #MinistryLeadership #ChurchLeadership #HealthyLeadership #TeamLeadership #FaithLeadership #Discipleship #Mentoring

Why Ministry Activity Can Never Replace Intimacy with GodHave you ever found yourself doing more for God than spending time with God?Many ministry leaders begin with passion, purpose, and a deep desire to serve well. But over time, ministry can slowly shift from being fueled by communion with God to being fueled by expectations, obligations, and pressure.In this episode, Jennifer Spivey explores one of the most dangerous lies ministry leaders believe: that effectiveness comes from activity rather than abiding in Christ.Through John 15:5 and Psalm 23, you’ll discover how sustainable ministry flows from overflow, not exhaustion.In this episode you’ll learn:✔ Why ministry must flow from communion with God✔ How to recognize signs of spiritual depletion✔ The difference between serving God and performing for people✔ Why identity must come before assignment✔ Practical ways to cultivate intimacy with God during busy seasonsScriptures:John 15:5Psalm 23:1-3Matthew 3:17If this episode encouraged you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with another ministry leader.CONNECT WITH JENNIFER SPIVEY:➡ Connect Mentoring Network: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org#MinistryLeadership #PastorsWife #WomenInMinistry #ChristianLeadership #MinistryLife #ChurchLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ChristianWomen #FaithLeadership #Mentoring

Conflict Is Not Always Sin | Biblical View of Conflict in RelationshipsHave you ever assumed that if there is conflict in a relationship, something must be spiritually wrong?Many believers quietly carry this belief—and as a result, they avoid hard conversations, suppress truth, and confuse peacekeeping with biblical peacemaking.In this episode, Jennifer Spivey unpacks a biblical view of conflict in relationships and ministry leadership. Through Scripture, including Luke 5:30, Acts 15:39, and Matthew 5:9, you’ll discover that conflict is not always sin—it is often part of living in a broken world and an opportunity for spiritual maturity.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔ Why conflict is not always sinful✔ How Jesus responded to constant opposition✔ What Paul and Barnabas teach us about disagreement✔ The difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking✔ Why avoidance is not the same as holiness✔ How to handle conflict with wisdom and graceKey Scripture:Luke 5:30Acts 15:39Matthew 5:9Romans 3:23 principleIf this episode encourages you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with a friend in ministry or leadership.CONNECT WITH JENNIFER SPIVEY:➡ Connect Mentoring Network: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org#WomenInMinistry #ChristianLeadership #ConflictResolution #BiblicalLeadership #PastorsWife #MinistryLeadership #ChristianWomen #FaithLeadership #ChurchLeadership #HealthyBoundaries

Do you trust God less than you trust your laundry detergent?It may sound like an unusual question, but a simple phrase on a product label challenged me to think about how easily we trust man-made products, systems, and processes while sometimes struggling to trust the promises of God.In this episode, I share the story behind my first article published with The Christian Post and explore what Scripture teaches about God’s faithfulness, reliability, and trustworthiness.We’ll discuss:✔ Why we often trust products and systems without question✔ The danger of bringing skepticism into our relationship with God✔ What Scripture says about God’s faithfulness✔ Why God’s promises are more certain than the sunrise✔ How trusting God’s Word changes the way we live and speakWhether you’re waiting for healing, breakthrough, direction, or simply a new season, this episode is a reminder that God’s faithfulness is never in question.📖 Featured Article:“Do You Trust God Less Than You Do Your Laundry Detergent?”https://www.christianpost.com/voices/do-you-trust-god-less-than-you-do-your-laundry-detergent.html🌐 Learn more about Connect Mentoring Network:https://connectmentoringnetwork.org📚 Explore Jennifer’s books, mentoring resources, blog, and podcast:https://connectmentoringnetwork.org👍 If this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend!#ChristianPodcast #TrustGod #Faith #ChristianLiving #BibleTeaching #WomenInMinistry #Discipleship #ConnectMentoringNetwork #JenniferSpivey #TheChristianPost